Prosecutors Reiterate Fine for DP Leader’s Wife Over Election Law Breach

Suwon: Prosecutors have once again called for a 3 million won fine against Kim Hye-kyung, the wife of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, over allegations of election law violations stemming from providing complimentary meals prior to the 2021 party election. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Suwon District Prosecutors Office maintained their request for the fine during a closing hearing. Kim is accused of offering meals valued at 104,000 won to the spouses of three past and present party lawmakers and three aides at a Seoul restaurant in August 2021. This event occurred shortly after Lee announced his candidacy for the party's nomination in the 2022 presidential election. The meals allegedly were paid using a corporate card from the Gyeonggi regional government, where Lee served as mayor. Prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating that the alleged attempt was to gain favor from influential political figures to support her husband's candidacy, irrespective of the monetary sum involved. K im's defense refuted the allegations, claiming she believed the meal costs were covered independently by the attendees and was unaware of the use of a corporate card. The sentencing, initially set for August 13, has been postponed to November 14 following the court's decision to incorporate five additional hearings.