Supreme Court Finalizes Suspended Sentence for Ex-Prosecutor Kim Sang-min in Corruption Case

The South Korean Supreme Court confirmed a final suspended prison sentence for former prosecutor Kim Sang-min in connection with offering artist Lee Ufan’s 140 million won painting to First Lady Kim Geon-hee in exchange for political favors, including help with a nomination and the 2024 general election. The ruling upheld a two-year prison term suspended for three years for violating the Anti-Corruption Act and a one-year term suspended for three years for the Political Funds Act, along with a 41.39 million won fine. Courts previously found the painting authentic and delivered to Kim Geon-hee, and also accepted testimony from an art broker about the solicitation and subsequent satisfaction with the gift. The appellate court’s decisions overturned the initial acquittal on the solicitation charge, with the Supreme Court agreeing there were no errors in the lower court’s judgment. The case has drawn considerable attention as it centers on alleged illicit political influence and fundraising related to a high-profile political figure and the presidency.