A former South Korean first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison 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 impeached last year, was acquitted of stock price manipulation and violating the political funds act charges.
Prosecutors plan to appeal the two not-guilty verdicts. The ruling follows investigations into Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law in 2024 and scandals involving the couple. The court emphasized that while the first lady does not hold formal power in state affairs, she represents the country symbolically.
Kim was also ordered to pay a fine of 12.8 million won and forfeit the diamond necklace. She had been in detention since August during the investigation led by a special prosecutor. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year jail term but were unsuccessful in proving the charges of manipulating stock prices and violating political funding laws.
Kim denied all allegations, and her lawyer stated they would review the verdict before deciding on an appeal for the bribery conviction. She appeared in court in a dark suit and face mask, escorted by guards. Supporters of Yoon and Kim celebrated outside the court after the not-guilty verdicts were announced.
The Unification Church claimed the gifts were given without expectations in return. The church’s leader, Han Hak-ja, who is also on trial, denied directing any bribery involving Kim.
Yoon, who was removed from office in April, faces multiple trials, including charges of insurrection following his attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. He has appealed a five-year jail sentence for obstructing arrest attempts after the martial law declaration. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Yoon in a separate trial for allegedly orchestrating an insurrection, with the court expected to announce its decision on February 19.
Yoon argued that declaring martial law was within his presidential powers and was intended to raise awareness of government obstruction by opposition parties.