‘Gyeonggi-do Corporate Card Misuse Allegation’ Kim Hye-kyung Protocol Official Receives Suspended Prison Sentence in Appeal Trial

In relation to the 'corporate card misuse allegations' involving Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Bae, a former Grade 5 special-appointed public official at Gyeonggi Provincial Government, who was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act, was also found guilty in the appellate trial.

Regarding the 'corporate card misuse suspicion' involving Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, former Grade 5 special-appointed public official Bae Mo is leaving the court after the appellate sentencing trial held on the afternoon of the 14th at the Suwon High Court in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Criminal Division 3-1 of Suwon High Court (Presiding Judges Won Ik-seon, Kim Dong-gyu, Heo Yang-yoon) on the 14th dismissed Bae's appeal against the charge of violating the Public Official Election Act and upheld the original sentence of 10 months imprisonment with a 2-year probation.

The court stated, "There has been no change in the sentencing conditions compared to the original trial," adding, "When the original sentence does not exceed a reasonable range, it is appropriate to respect that judgment, and the original court considered both favorable and unfavorable circumstances for the defendant."

Earlier, Bae was accused of making a donation act under the Public Official Election Act by using the Gyeonggi Provincial Government corporate card to pay 78,000 won for the meals of three party-related personnel, excluding Kim, during a meal with Kim and three party-related individuals at a restaurant in Seoul on August 2, 2021.

He is also charged with making false statements under the Public Official Election Act in January 2022, denying any private errands done for the candidate's family when allegations of Kim's 'corporate card misuse,' 'illegal protocol,' and 'proxy prescription' were raised.

The first trial court judged, "The false information publicized by the defendant concerned the actions of the presidential election candidate's spouse and was of considerable importance, attracting intense public attention," and added, "Despite clear evidence regarding the delivery of pharmaceuticals, the defendant made implausible claims, raising doubts about genuine remorse."

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