Kim Kyung-wook, former president of Incheon International Airport Corporation, received a 5 million won fine in the first trial for violating the Political Funds Act by accepting bribes disguised as victim compensation.
Court Details the Case
The Cheongju District Court, Chungju Branch, Criminal Division 2, under Judge Cho Jeong-ik, handed down the sentence on the 9th. Prosecutors charged that ahead of the 21st general election, two company executives wired 10 million won under the pretext of victim compensation. Kim accepted 5 million won as a bribe from this amount and designated the full 10 million won as compensation.
Prior Incident
In a related earlier case, on April 1, 2020, Kim received 10 million won via wire transfer from employee A at a cafe in Hoam-dong, Chungju-si, labeled as victim compensation. He was indicted without detention for embezzling these funds.
Defense Arguments and Sentencing Rationale
Defense lawyers argued, “The defendant had no intent to commit a crime and is merely responding as a victim, with no collaboration involved.” They added, “The prosecutor’s blanket investigation lacked reason, prompting the trial.”
The court fined employee A 500,000 won for the same charges.
In explaining the sentence, the court stated that although Kim denies the wrongdoing and shows no remorse or repentance, his lack of prior criminal record serves as a mitigating factor.
Political Involvement
Kim supported Democratic Party candidates in the 21st and 22nd general elections in the Chungju constituency through campaign booths, though all candidates lost.
