Suspicions of 'Unpaid Lawyer Fees' Kim Hong-gul's Side: "80 Million Won Paid Is Enough"

by Kim Daehyun

Published 31 Mar.2022 13:34(KST)

Assemblyman Kim Hong-gul / Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Independent lawmaker Kim Hong-gul, who was sued for not paying part of the criminal case retainer fee, claimed that "a reasonable fee has already been paid."

On the morning of the 31st, the Civil Division 29 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Han Jeong-seok) held the first hearing for the contract money claim lawsuit filed by law firm A against lawmaker Kim.

Earlier, ahead of the 2020 general election, Kim was prosecuted for allegedly omitting his spouse's commercial land and apartment lease deposit during the 'public office election candidate property' declaration process (violation of the Public Official Election Act).

Law firm A, known to have handled the first trial defense for this case, filed a contract money claim lawsuit worth approximately 253 million KRW, stating that "Lawmaker Kim did not pay the agreed fee." It was claimed that although Kim paid an initial retainer of 80 million KRW and agreed to additional fees depending on the progress of the lawsuit, he did not fulfill this agreement.

Kim's side argued on the day, "During the approximately four-month first trial process, an initial retainer of 80 million KRW was paid," and "If an excessive claim is made again, it must be demonstrated that additional time and effort were invested, but based on the plaintiff's claims alone, the work was covered within the agreed scope." They also stated, "This amount is not insignificant and is considered sufficiently reasonable."

Law firm A stated to the court, "If the court decides to recommend a settlement, we will consider it," while Kim's side said, "Given the broken trust, if a settlement recommendation is issued, we will try to persuade (Lawmaker Kim), but the current outlook seems very difficult."