'Rhyme Kim Bong-hyun Political Fund Bribery' Lee Sang-ho Appeals Reduced Sentence in Second Trial

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Lee Sang-ho, former regional chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea in Busan Saha-eul, who was sentenced to imprisonment in the appellate court for receiving money from former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun, has filed an appeal. Accordingly, Lee's case will receive a final judgment from the Supreme Court.

Lee's legal representative submitted a notice of appeal on the 13th to the Criminal Division 3 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Park Yeon-wook, Kim Gyu-dong, Lee Hee-jun) in disagreement with the appellate court's ruling.

Lee was prosecuted on charges of violating the Political Funds Act for receiving 30 million won in illegal political funds from former Chairman Kim, who was identified as a key figure in the Lime Asset Management (Lime) scandal in July 2018, under the pretext of opening an election office.

He was also charged with breach of trust for receiving 56 million won into his younger brother's account as a reward for the Professional Construction Mutual Aid Association, where he served as an auditor, investing in the acquisition of Kim's asset management company, and for having Kim's side purchase 18 million won worth of socks sold by his brother's company.

The first trial court found all charges guilty and sentenced him to two years in prison, but the appellate court acquitted him of the Political Funds Act violation and 15 million won of the breach of trust amount, reducing the sentence to one year and six months in prison.

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