[26.01.14] Yangyang Governor Sentenced Again for Bribery and Sexual Favors

Yangyang County Head Kim Jin-ha Sentenced to Two Years in Prison Again on Appeal

📍Convictions for Bribery, Sexual Misconduct, and Anti-Graft Law Violations Upheld

Kim Jin-ha, head of Yangyang County in Gangwon Province, was again sentenced to prison on appeal for receiving money and sexual favors from a female petitioner. The appellate court dismissed appeals from both the defendant and prosecutors, upholding the original ruling.

Yangyang County Governor Kim Jin-ha was sentenced to two years in prison in the appellate court as well.

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🔹 Appeals Court Dismisses Both Sides’ Appeals
On the 14th, the Chuncheon branch of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Lee Eun-hye) upheld the original sentence of two years in prison and a fine of 10 million won for Kim Jin-ha, who was convicted of violating South Korea’s anti-graft law, accepting bribes, and committing indecent assault.

The court also maintained the forfeiture of a massage chair submitted as evidence and ordered an additional 5 million won in confiscation.

Prosecutors had previously sought a six-year prison term, a 40 million won fine, and 20 million won in confiscation during the appellate hearing.

🔹 Bribes Exchanged for Administrative Favors
Kim was indicted for receiving cash and an expensive massage chair from a female petitioner identified as A in exchange for favorable treatment, including land rezoning, permit approvals, road occupancy permissions, and dispute resolution.

While some charges related to cash payments were ruled not guilty, the court found Kim guilty of accepting the massage chair as a bribe.

🔹 Sexual Benefits and Indecent Conduct Confirmed
Kim was also convicted of engaging in sexual relations with A on multiple occasions as part of receiving sexual benefits. In December 2023, he was found to have committed inappropriate behavior by lowering his pants at a café operated by A in Yangyang.

Kim claimed the relationship was consensual and personal in nature, but the court rejected this argument.

🔹 Court: “Severely Undermined Public Trust”
The appellate court stated that Kim “gravely violated the duties of a local government head” and “caused serious damage to public trust in the fairness and transparency of Yangyang County’s administration.”

Finding no new circumstances warranting a change in sentencing, the court concluded that the original punishment was appropriate.

🔹 Sentences for Co-Defendants Also Upheld
The court also upheld the original sentence of one year and six months in prison for A, who was convicted of providing sexual benefits and other offenses.

Park Bong-gyun, a Yangyang County council member who colluded with A to blackmail Kim, also received an unchanged sentence of one year in prison, suspended for three years.

One-line summary : Yangyang County head Kim Jin-ha was again sentenced to two years in prison on appeal for accepting money and sexual favors from a petitioner.