A South Korean court has handed a one-year and eight-month jail sentence to former first lady Kim Keon Hee on Wednesday. She was found guilty of receiving Chanel bags and a diamond pendant from Unification Church officials in exchange for political favors. The court acquitted Kim, who is the wife of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, of charges related to stock price manipulation and violating the political funds act.
Prosecutors plan to appeal the two not-guilty verdicts. The ruling, which can also be challenged by Kim, follows investigations into Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law in 2024 and related scandals involving the once-powerful couple.
The court emphasized that the role of the first lady does not entail formal power to engage in state affairs but is a symbol representing the country. The lead judge on a three-justice bench stated that individuals in such positions should not only avoid setting a bad example for the public.
Kim was also ordered to pay a fine of 12.8 million won (around $12,155 Cdn) and the confiscation of the diamond necklace. She has been in detention since August under investigation by a special prosecutor team. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year prison term but the court cleared her of charges related to stock price manipulation and violating political funding laws.
Wearing a dark suit and a face mask, Kim was escorted by guards into the courtroom at the Seoul Central District Court and remained quiet during the verdict announcement. Supporters of Yoon and Kim, who endured freezing temperatures outside the court compound, celebrated the not-guilty verdicts on two charges.
Yoon, who was removed from power last April, is facing eight trials on various charges, including insurrection, following his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. He has appealed a five-year jail sentence for obstructing arrest after his martial law decree. Additionally, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Yoon for allegedly orchestrating an insurrection, with a ruling expected on Feb. 19.
Yoon has defended his actions, claiming that declaring martial law was within his presidential authority and was intended to highlight government obstruction by opposition parties.