South Korea’s authorities confirmed that an ex-prosecutor arrested Kim Sang-min on allegations of bribing former first lady Kim Keon Hee. Consequently, officials stated the arrest ensures the investigation proceeds without risk of evidence destruction. Moreover, prosecutors suspect he offered a valuable gift to secure political support.
The Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant at the request of special counsel Min Joong-ki. Investigators said the ex-prosecutor arrested allegedly gave a 140 million-won painting by Lee Ufan to gain backing for his 2024 parliamentary campaign. In addition, officials focused on the gift as part of their broader investigation into election influence.
Kim Sang-min sought the People Power Party’s nomination for the Changwon Uichang parliamentary seat. Meanwhile, political insiders claimed former first lady Kim Keon Hee may have promised Cabinet positions or public enterprise roles to secure campaign support. Despite these efforts, the ex-prosecutor arrested failed to win the nomination.
After losing the nomination, the former prosecutor became a legal adviser for the National Intelligence Service. Furthermore, investigators suspect the former first lady influenced this appointment as well. They also examine her involvement in previous elections, including the 2022 local elections and parliamentary by-elections.
Authorities previously charged the former first lady with receiving free opinion polls worth 270 million won from Myung Tae-kyun. As a result, prosecutors argued she used the gift to secure Kim Young-sun’s nomination for a 2022 parliamentary by-election. Additionally, her indictment included physical detention, highlighting the case’s seriousness.
Analysts said the arrest shows the government’s determination to curb election-related corruption. Therefore, authorities pursue high-profile figures to deter illegal political influence. Observers also expect more developments as prosecutors interview witnesses and gather additional evidence.
The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of political and legal networks linked to former leaders. Consequently, officials aim to uncover all instances of bribery and undue influence. Overall, the ex-prosecutor arrested represents a critical step in holding influential figures accountable.
