On September 9, the special counsel team chaired by Min Jung-ki lodged an appeal against the first-instance ruling that acquitted former chief prosecutor Kim Sang-min of charges related to financial law violations and the prohibition of solicitation laws. The special counsel described the ruling as an 'unreasonable judgment' that disregards objective evidence and crucial facts, calling it unacceptable. Previously, the Seoul Central District Court had found Kim guilty of violating campaign finance laws but acquitted him of soliciting violations, which was central to the charges against him.

The appeal highlights allegations that Kim allegedly provided a painting by the artist Lee U-hwan to Kim Gun-hee, the spouse of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, in exchange for political favors. The court ruled that the special counsel failed to prove that Kim purchased the painting with his own funds to give to Kim Gun-hee. Critical to the dismissal was the fact that Kim Gun-hee's brother, Kim Jin-woo, purchased the painting with his own money, raising questions about the ownership and intention behind the transfer of the artwork.

In response, the special counsel team argued that, despite the painting residing at Kim Jin-woo's residence for a time, there was sufficient evidence to conclude that Kim Sang-min had indeed purchased the painting for Kim Gun-hee. They presented several points, such as Kim Sang-min having prior knowledge of Kim Gun-hee's taste in art and the painting being found among other illicit gifts given to her. They demanded that the appellate court reconsider the ruling based on these findings, emphasizing the political implications surrounding the case and its influence on public trust in the justice system.