Prosecutors seek 3 million won fine against ex-DP chief's wife for alleged election law violations

Prosecutors on Thursday sought a three-million-won fine against Kim Hye-kyung, the wife of former Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung, on charges of violating election law.

Kim Hye-kyung, the wife of former Democratic Party Leader Lee Jae-myung, attends a court hearing in Suwon, Gyeonggi, on Thursday. [YONHAP]

Prosecutors on Thursday sought a three-million-won fine against Kim Hye-kyung, the wife of former Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung, on charges of violating election law. She allegedly offered meals to the wives of party figures ahead of the 2021 party election to elect its presidential candidate.

Kim is accused of providing meals worth 104,000 won ($75) to six people, including the wives of three former and current party lawmakers and three of her aides, at a Seoul restaurant on Aug. 2, 2021, paid for using the Gyeonggi provincial government’s corporate credit card.

“The case involves the defendant attempting to bribe the spouses of incumbent and former lawmakers to ensure the election of Lee Jae-myung as the DP presidential candidate,” the prosecution said during the final hearing at the Suwon District Court in Gyeonggi.

The prosecution emphasized the severe nature of the alleged crime, regardless of the amount spent, as it involved influential figures whose support could significantly affect the election. Additionally, they noted that Kim has committed four similar offenses, describing her actions as “repetitive, systemic and planned.”

Prosecutors indicted Kim on Feb. 14 without detention, following an appellate court’s decision to uphold the conviction of a public official involved in the case who was found guilty of misusing the corporate credit card for Kim’s expenses. Last August, the Suwon High Court confirmed a lower court's sentence of 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, for the public official, surnamed Bae.

During Thursday’s hearing, Kim’s attorney argued that Kim, having experienced multiple elections as the wife of a former Seongnam mayor, Gyeonggi governor and presidential candidate, was unaware that the corporate card was used to pay for the meal, believing that the wives paid for separate bills.

Kim pleaded innocence, stressing that her husband adheres to a strict principle of paying for his own meals.

“My husband faced numerous instances of suppression as a minor politician, and I have always resolved to avoid actions that could be scrutinized,” Kim said.

Kim’s first trial regarding the alleged election law violation is scheduled for Aug. 13.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]