Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee has been sentenced to one year and eight months in prison for accepting luxury items from Unification Church officials in exchange for political favors. The court acquitted Kim of stock price manipulation and violating political funds laws. Prosecutors plan to appeal the not-guilty verdicts, while Kim also has the option to appeal.
The sentencing follows investigations into the actions of Kim’s husband, former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office last year after imposing martial law in 2024. The court emphasized that the first lady holds a symbolic role without formal power in state affairs.
Kim was also fined 12.8 million won and ordered to forfeit the diamond necklace she received. Despite facing a demand for 15 years in jail, she was cleared of the stock manipulation and political funding violations. Kim, who denied all charges, is considering appealing the bribery conviction.
During the court proceedings, Kim appeared in a dark suit and mask, escorted by guards. Supporters of the former presidential couple celebrated the not-guilty verdicts outside the court. The Unification Church denied any wrongdoing, stating that the gifts to Kim were given without expectations.
Yoon Suk Yeol, the ousted former president, is facing multiple trials, including charges of insurrection related to his attempt to impose martial law. He has appealed a five-year jail term and is awaiting a ruling on a separate trial where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for alleged insurrection. Yoon maintains that declaring martial law was within his presidential authority to address government obstruction by opposition parties.