'Kim Bong-hyun Lobby Allegations' Gi Dong-min and Other Opposition Figures Deny Charges

by Hwang Seoyul

Published 18 Apr.2023 12:19(KST)

Former and current opposition politicians accused of receiving political funds from Kim Bong-hyun, former chairman of Star Mobility (49), during the 20th National Assembly election all denied the charges at their first trial.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At 11 a.m. on the 18th, Judge Jung Yu-mi of Criminal Division 11 at the Seoul Southern District Court held the first hearing for Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Ki Dong-min and Lee Soo-jin (proportional representation), former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Young-choon, and former spokesperson of the Uri Party Kim Gap-soo, who are charged with violating the Political Funds Act. All denied the charges.

Ki and others were indicted without detention in February on charges of receiving illegal political funds from former chairman Kim and former Star Mobility CEO Lee Kang-se in around 2016.

According to the prosecution, Ki is accused of receiving a total of 100 million won in political funds and suits worth about 2 million won from February to April 2016, during his candidacy for the 20th general election, under the pretexts of election funds and facilitating permits related to the Yangjae-dong cargo terminal site. Ki was also charged with bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes.

Lee and former Minister Kim are accused of receiving 5 million won each in political funds in February and March of the same year, respectively, while former spokesperson Kim is accused of receiving 50 million won in February of the same year.

Ki’s side stated, "There was no receipt of money among the specific criminal acts, and although suits were received, there was no quid pro quo." Ki’s lawyer said that due to delayed access to evidence records, detailed opinions would be submitted in a written statement before the next hearing.

Former Minister Kim’s side denied the charges, saying, "Although there was a meeting with former chairman Kim and former CEO Lee in March 2016, it was a meeting with Lee, who visited Busan for business purposes, just to 'see a friend’s face'." According to the prosecution, former Minister Kim was a university classmate and friend of Lee, who introduced him to former chairman Kim.

Lee’s side and former spokesperson Kim also denied receiving political funds.

The court requested the defendants to provide specific opinions on the charges and whether they admit the evidence by the next hearing.

The next hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 23.