Myeongseong Church 'Not Scandal' Former Lawmaker Kim Chung-hwan Fined 5 Million Won

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Kim Chung-hwan (66), a former member of the Grand National Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party), who was prosecuted for threatening protesters opposing the hereditary succession of church pastor positions with a sickle, was sentenced to a fine.

Judge Cho Guk-in of the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 9 sentenced former lawmaker Kim to a fine of 5 million won on the 12th for charges including special intimidation, property damage, and violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act.

Judge Cho stated, "Seeing the victims install a banner, he swung a sickle saying 'What are you doing?' which is sufficient to be considered special intimidation," and added, "Considering the circumstances and content of the crime and the fact that he has not been forgiven by the victims, the amount of the summary order fine is not excessive."

Former lawmaker Kim was prosecuted for attempting to cut the strings of a banner installed by protesters opposing the hereditary succession of the pastor position at Myeongseong Church located in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, with a sickle and swinging the sickle in June last year. The Seoul Eastern District Court issued a summary order imposing a fine of 5 million won in April, but Kim requested a formal trial.

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