The Seoul Central District Court has acquitted former prosecutor Kim Sang-min on the charge of soliciting a painting valued at 140 million won from Kim Geon-hee, the wife of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, while finding him guilty of receiving illegal campaign financing. The court determined that the evidence presented by the special prosecutor did not sufficiently prove that the painting was delivered to Kim Geon-hee, raising doubts about the key allegations against Kim Sang-min.

During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that Kim Sang-min had provided a painting by renowned artist Lee U-hwan to Kim Geon-hee in exchange for facilitating political appointments. However, the court pointed out that the painting might have been retained by Kim Geon-hee's brother instead, which contributed to the acquittal for soliciting the painting. The ruling emphasized the lack of conclusive evidence linking Kim Sang-min directly to the alleged solicitation of the painting.

Despite the acquittal regarding the painting, Kim Sang-min received a suspended sentence of six months in prison for violating campaign financing laws due to accepting payments from a businessman for campaign-related expenses. The court acknowledged his long service as a prosecutor but noted that he should have been well aware of the legal implications of his actions, particularly in accepting funds from third parties for political activities. The outcome of this case highlights ongoing concerns regarding legal and ethical standards in South Korean politics, especially amid allegations of corruption among public officials.