‘Violation of Political Funds Act’ Former Lawmaker Kim Seung-hee Sentenced to 3 Million Won Fine

Suspected Use of Political Funds for Spouse's Vehicle Insurance Fees and Others

The court sentenced former lawmaker Kim Seung-hee to a fine on charges of violating the Political Funds Act during her time as a member of the National Assembly. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The court sentenced former lawmaker Kim Seung-hee to a fine for violating the Political Funds Act during her time as a member of the National Assembly.

On the afternoon of the 1st, Judge Yoon Ji-sook of the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 5 sentenced former lawmaker Kim, who was indicted for violating the Political Funds Act, to a fine of 3 million won, and accounting officer A to a fine of 2 million won. Earlier, at the closing arguments on the 8th, the prosecution requested a fine of 3 million won for Kim and 2 million won for A.

Former lawmaker Kim was indicted on charges of using political funds during the 20th National Assembly for expenses such as the deposit for a rental car for an official vehicle and insurance fees for her spouse’s car. The Central Election Commission requested an investigation from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, and when the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office began the investigation, Kim voluntarily resigned 40 days after being nominated as the Minister of Health and Welfare.

The court pointed out regarding former lawmaker Kim, “She used political funds to repair her spouse’s vehicle and knowingly condoned the submission of false estimates during the accounting report process from the beginning, showing strong intent and high blameworthiness.” Regarding A, the court stated, “As the accounting officer, he deliberately neglected and was careless about his responsibilities.”

However, the court explained the sentencing reasons, saying, “Other offenses by former lawmaker Kim were only incidental, and in A’s case, there was no personal gain and no prior criminal record.”

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