A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison for corruption, while acquitting her on charges of stock manipulation and other allegations.
Judge Woo In-sung of the Seoul Central District Court ruled Kim, 53, guilty of accepting lavish gifts and bribes from businesses and politicians, including two Chanel bags and a Graff necklace from the leader of the Unification Church. Prosecutors had accused her of colluding with the cult-like organisation and undermining the constitutionally mandated separation of religion and state.
Kim, who sat in court wearing a black suit, white mask, and glasses, was found not guilty of manipulating stocks and violating South Korea’s campaign finance laws.
The former first lady has long been at the centre of controversy, facing accusations ranging from influence peddling and corruption to academic fraud, many of which dominated her husband Yoon Suk Yeol’s tenure as president. Yoon is currently in custody over actions taken during his December 2024 declaration of martial law and its aftermath.
In December, prosecutors argued that Kim “stood above the law” and abused her power, which severely undermined South Korea’s institutions. She has also faced allegations of meddling in parliamentary elections.
Kim denied the charges, calling them “deeply unjust,” but offered a public apology for any trouble caused. “When I consider my role and the responsibilities entrusted to me, it seems clear that I have made many mistakes,” she said in her final testimony last month.