South Korean lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon acquitted in luxury bag bribery case

South Korean lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon was acquitted of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act in a first-instance ruling by the Seoul Central District Court. The case involved the gifting of a luxury Roger Vivier clutch bag, valued at approximately 2.67 million won, to Kim Keon-hee, the spouse of President Yoon Suk Yeol, in 2023.

The court ruled that while there were circumstances suggesting Kim Gi-hyeon may have been involved in the delivery of the bag, there was insufficient objective evidence to prove he conspired or participated in the crime with his spouse. The prosecution had argued the gift was provided in exchange for support during the People Power Party leadership election.

While Kim Gi-hyeon was found not guilty, his wife was convicted and sentenced to a fine of 5 million won. The court noted that the wife's actions, intended to repay the President for helping her husband's election, carried significant culpability. Following the verdict, Kim Gi-hyeon criticized the special prosecution team for what he termed an “absurd indictment” and expressed gratitude to the court for its decision.