A former South Korean first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was sentenced to one year and eight months in jail by a South Korean court on Wednesday. The court found her guilty of receiving Chanel bags and a diamond pendant from Unification Church officials in exchange for political favors. Kim, the wife of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office last year, was acquitted of charges related to stock price manipulation and violating the political funds act.
Prosecutors plan to appeal the two not-guilty verdicts. The verdict, subject to appeal by Kim, comes amidst a series of trials stemming from investigations into Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law in 2024 and associated scandals involving the once-influential couple. The court emphasized that the role of the first lady does not entail formal power to engage in state affairs but rather symbolizes the country.
The court also imposed a fine of 12.8 million won (around $12,155 Cdn) on Kim and ordered the confiscation of the diamond necklace. Kim has been in detention since August during the investigation led by a special prosecutor. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year jail term but Kim was cleared of stock price manipulation and violating political funding laws.
Kim, denying all charges, will review the ruling with her legal team to decide on appealing the bribery conviction. During the court session, Kim appeared in a dark suit and mask, escorted by guards. Supporters of Yoon and Kim celebrated outside the court compound upon hearing the not-guilty rulings on two charges.
The Unification Church stated that the gifts were given to Kim without any expectations in return. The church’s leader, Han Hak-ja, who is also on trial, denied directing any bribery towards Kim.
Yoon, who was ousted from power in April, faces multiple trials, including charges of insurrection following his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. Yoon has filed an appeal against a five-year jail sentence for impeding arrest efforts after his martial law decree. Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty against Yoon for allegedly orchestrating an insurrection, with a court decision expected on February 19.
Yoon has defended his decision to declare martial law, asserting it was within his presidential authority and aimed at highlighting government obstruction by opposition parties.