Prosecution Requests 1.5 Million Won Fine for Rep. Kim Han-jung for 'Admitting Charges'

Rep. Kim, "I am sorry and remorseful for breaking the law"

Democratic Party of Korea Representative Kim Han-jung [YouTube broadcast screen capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] The prosecution has requested a fine that would invalidate the election of Kim Han-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Namyangju Eul.

On the 9th, the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office requested at a trial held before the 13th Criminal Division of the Uijeongbu District Court (Presiding Judge Jung Da-ju) that "a fine of 1.5 million KRW be imposed on Representative Kim Han-jung, who was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act."

Representative Kim is accused of providing 30-year-old whiskey worth about 700,000 KRW as a donation during a meal with four online local community administrators last October, ahead of the 21st general election.

The prosecution stated, "Kim acknowledged all the charges and agreed with all the submitted evidence."

They further explained the reason for the request, saying, "The defendant made a donation strictly restricted by the Public Official Election Act during a meal with executives of an influential online local cafe in the community. Although some charges were denied during the investigation, the defendant later confessed to the entire offense."

In response, Kim’s lawyer argued, "There was no discussion related to the primary or general election during the meal on the day of the incident, so it is questionable how influential the attendees were," and added, "They talked about the relocation of the Maseok Furniture Industrial Complex and the extension of Subway Line 9, which pertains to legislative activities rather than election campaigning."

The lawyer also requested consideration that "three of the four attendees were party members," and added, "Although Kim was previously fined 500,000 KRW for violating the Public Official Election Act by distributing 50 business cards in a theater ahead of the 2016 general election, he reflects on his lack of meticulousness."

In his final statement, Representative Kim said, "I am sorry and remorseful for breaking the law," and claimed, "I believe the accuser in this case has other motives and backing, and is a victim of the ongoing investigation by the prosecution into election interference by Namyangju public officials."

The sentencing trial for Representative Kim will be held on the 15th of next month, and if a fine of 1 million KRW or more is confirmed, his election will be invalidated.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.