Court acquits PPP lawmaker over luxury gift to ex-first lady

채윤환

2026-10-30 15:11:05

PPP lawmaker-trial
Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon (C) of the main opposition People Power Party arrives at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on Oct. 30, 2026, to attend his trial on charges of violating the anti-graft law. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul district court on Friday acquitted a lawmaker of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) of anti-graft charges over a luxury bag gifted to former first lady Kim Keon Hee.

The Seoul Central District Court found Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon not guilty of violating the anti-graft law over the Roger Vivier clutch bag his wife gave to the then first lady in March 2023.

Special counsel Min Joong-ki's team had sought a one-year prison sentence for the lawmaker, accusing the couple of gifting the bag in return for her support in his election as the PPP's leader earlier that month.

The court, however, convicted the lawmaker's wife of the charges, sentencing her to a fine of 5 million won (US$3,750). Min's team had sought a six-month prison term for Kim's wife.

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