Kim Bong-hyun Admits to Illegal Political Fund Lobbying Involving Democratic Party Lawmakers

Kim Bong-hyun, former chairman of Star Mobility (49), who was indicted on charges of providing illegal political funds to political figures including Ki Dong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (57), has admitted to all charges.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the second trial held on the 7th under the presiding of Judge Yoon Chan-young of the Criminal Division 12 at the Seoul Southern District Court, Kim and Lee Kang-se, former CEO of Star Mobility (61), who are accused of violating the Political Funds Act, stated, "We admit to all the charges and are reflecting on our actions."

According to the prosecution, from February to April 2016, around the time of the 20th general election, they are accused of providing a total of approximately 160 million KRW in money and goods to Ki Dong-min, Lee Soo-jin, a proportional representative member of the Democratic Party of Korea (54), Kim Young-choon, former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries (61), and Kim Gap-soo, former spokesperson of the Uri Party.

The prosecution found that Kim and Lee gave Ki Dong-min political funds amounting to 100 million KRW and suits worth about 2 million KRW under the pretext of facilitating permits related to the cargo terminal site in Yangjae-dong. Lee Soo-jin and Kim Dong-min are accused of receiving 5 million KRW each, and Kim Young-choon is accused of receiving 50 million KRW.

On this day, Kim Bong-hyun and others admitted to the charges, while Ki Dong-min and others denied them. At the trial held on April 18, Ki’s side stated, "There was no receipt of money, and although suits were received, there was no quid pro quo." Lee Soo-jin, Kim Dong-min, and the former spokesperson also denied the charges.

The trial for Ki Dong-min and others is scheduled for the 23rd, and the next trial for Kim Bong-hyun and Lee Kang-se will be held on the 19th of next month.

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