1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the case of Kim Sang-min, a former prosecutor who is accused of giving a valuable painting worth over 100 million won to Kim Geum-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The article explores the claims made by Kim Sang-min and the counterevidence presented by the special prosecutor’s office.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 구속 | gusoq | arrest, detention | Kim Sang-min, the former prosecutor, was arrested on suspicion of giving a painting worth over 100 million won to Kim Geum-hee. |
| 그림 | geurim | painting | Kim Sang-min is accused of giving a painting by the artist Lee Uh-wan worth over 100 million won to Kim Geum-hee. |
| 검사 | geomsa | prosecutor | Kim Sang-min, the former prosecutor, was arrested on suspicion of giving a painting to Kim Geum-hee. |
| 특검 | teuggeom | special prosecutor | The special prosecutor’s office presented evidence to counter Kim Sang-min’s claim that the painting was not a bribe. |
| 청탁금지법 | cheongtakgeumjibeob | Kim Sang-min claimed that the painting was not a violation of the Kim Young-ran Act, which prohibits improper solicitation and graft. | |
| 공천 | gongcheon | party nomination | The special prosecutor’s office suggested that the expensive painting may have been a gift to Kim Geum-hee for political favors, such as party nominations. |
| 인사 | insa | personnel management, appointments | The special prosecutor’s office suggested that the expensive painting may have been a gift to Kim Geum-hee for political favors, such as personnel appointments. |
| 청탁 | cheongtag | solicitation, request | The special prosecutor’s office suggested that the expensive painting may have been a gift to Kim Geum-hee for political favors, such as improper solicitation. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
지난 2월, 김건희 씨 측에 1억 원이 넘는 이우환 화백의 작품을 건넨 혐의를 받는 김상민 전 검사가 구속영장실질심사에 출석했습니다.
Former prosecutor Kim Sang-min, who is accused of giving a painting by artist Lee Uh-wan worth over 100 million won to Kim Geum-hee, appeared for a detention warrant review.
김 전 검사는 김진우 씨의 부탁으로 그림을 대신 구매해다 줬을 뿐이라는 주장을 고수해 왔습니다.
Kim Sang-min has maintained that he only purchased the painting on the request of Kim Jin-woo and delivered it.
뇌물이나 ‘청탁금지법’ 위반이 아니라는 주장입니다.
He claimed that it was not a bribe or a violation of the Kim Young-ran Act, which prohibits improper solicitation and graft.
김 전 검사로부터 이 이야기를 직접 들은 것으로 지목된 당사자도 최근 불러 조사했습니다.
The person who was reportedly directly told this story by Kim Sang-min was also recently summoned and investigated.
특검은 영장실질심사에서 이 고가의 그림이 공천과 인사 청탁을 위해 김건희 씨에게 한 선물일 가능성이 높은 점을 들며 구속 필요성을 강조한 것으로 알려졌습니다.
During the detention warrant review, the special prosecutor’s office is said to have emphasized the need for detention, arguing that the expensive painting was likely a gift to Kim Geum-hee for political favors such as party nominations and personnel appointments.
재작년 2월, 김건희 씨 측에 1억 원이 넘는 이우환 화백의 작품을 건넸다는 혐의로 김상민 전 검사가 구속되었습니다.
In February of the previous year, former prosecutor Kim Sang-min was arrested on suspicion of giving a painting by artist Lee Uh-wan worth over 100 million won to Kim Geum-hee.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What is Kim Sang-min accused of?
- What is Kim Sang-min’s claim regarding the painting?
- What evidence did the special prosecutor’s office present to counter Kim Sang-min’s claim?
- What potential reasons did the special prosecutor’s office suggest for the expensive painting being given to Kim Geum-hee?
- What law did Kim Sang-min claim the painting did not violate?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The case of Kim Sang-min and the painting gifted to Kim Geum-hee has drawn significant attention in South Korea, as it involves allegations of political corruption and improper influence. The special prosecutor’s office is investigating the possibility that the expensive painting was a bribe or an attempt to secure political favors, which would be a violation of the Kim Young-ran Act, a law aimed at preventing corruption in the public sector.