Chairman Testifies on Alleged Influence Peddling in Presidential Office Appointments
Seoul, South Korea – In a significant development in a high-profile legal case, Lee Bong-kwan, chairman of Seohee Construction, has provided testimony concerning allegations of influence peddling involving the former first lady, Kim Keon-hee. Lee stated that he believed his son-in-law’s appointment to a public office was facilitated by Kim’s alleged efforts.
The testimony was delivered on the 26th during a trial held by the 21st Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Cho Soon-pyo. The case centers on accusations of bribery related to Kim Keon-hee. Lee detailed a specific incident that occurred on April 8, 2022, when he presented a Tiffany & Co. brooch to Kim at an underground restaurant located in Acro Vista, Seocho-dong, Seoul.
Lee himself is facing charges alongside Kim, accused of providing her with jewelry and luxury items valued at over 100 million Korean won. These gifts included a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace worth 55.6 million Korean won, the aforementioned Tiffany & Co. brooch, and Graff earrings. The prosecution alleges these items were given in exchange for favorable personnel decisions for Lee’s son-in-law, Park Sung-geun, who was then a prosecutor and later appointed Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, following President Yoon Suk-yeol’s election. In previous court proceedings, Lee has admitted to all charges and has appealed for leniency, while the special counsel has sought a one-year prison sentence for him.
A Gift and an Ambiguous Request
According to Lee’s account, when he handed Kim a shopping bag, ostensibly as a gift to commemorate the inauguration of President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, she reportedly inquired, “Can’t you help Seohee Construction?” Faced with what he perceived as an awkward situation, Lee stated that he spontaneously responded, “My son-in-law, Prosecutor Park Sung-geun, is working at the presidential transition committee; if there’s a good position, please take him along and put him to use.”
When questioned by the special counsel about whether he believed his son-in-law’s subsequent appointment as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister was a direct result of Kim’s influence, Lee replied, “I do believe so.” He further elaborated on his apprehension, explaining, “I felt uncomfortable because the position doesn’t seem suited for a prosecutor.” Lee expressed concerns that Park might struggle in a new role, contrasting it with more familiar prosecutor positions such as Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs or Senior Secretary for Public Service Ethics within the Presidential Office.
Building Rapport and “Insurance”
Lee also disclosed that he had engaged in private meetings with Kim at a residence in Samcheong-dong, where he reportedly taught her the Bible. He stated, “She found comfort in biblical discussions.” Lee suggested that these meetings fostered a level of familiarity that later facilitated his requests for favors. Regarding the gifts themselves, he characterized them as “insurance” intended to cultivate a relationship beneficial for future business endeavors.
The legal proceedings have also touched upon items of luxury jewelry worn by Kim during her official visit to NATO in July 2023. Following public scrutiny and controversy surrounding these items, Kim reportedly returned some of them to Lee. Lee conveyed his anxiety regarding a potential erosion of trust stemming from these events.
In relation to the unreturned Graff earrings, Kim’s legal representative indicated that “Due to poor health, she was unaware” of their continued possession. The attorney added that Kim is prepared to offer monetary compensation for the earrings.
The ongoing trial continues to examine the intricate web of relationships and alleged exchanges that may have influenced official appointments and business dealings. The testimony from Lee Bong-kwan provides a crucial perspective on the events under investigation.
