A South Korean court has sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison after finding her guilty of corruption for accepting luxury gifts from the controversial Unification Church, while acquitting her of stock manipulation and campaign finance charges.
The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Judge Woo In-sung of the Seoul Central District Court, who said Kim abused her position as the president’s wife to obtain lavish items, including a Chanel handbag and a Graff necklace.
Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence, but the court handed down a lighter punishment after clearing her of other allegations.
“One’s position must never become a means of pursuing private gain,” Judge Woo said, stressing that Kim’s proximity to power gave her “significant influence.”
Kim, 53, appeared in court dressed in black as the sentence was read. She later issued a statement apologising for the concern caused and said she accepted the court’s criticism. Her legal team noted she has not yet decided whether to appeal.
Prosecutors described the ruling as “hard to accept” and announced plans to appeal, arguing that Kim had “stood above the law” and undermined the constitutional separation of religion and state.
The conviction adds to the political turmoil in South Korea, where Kim’s controversies have long overshadowed her husband’s presidency.
Political Fallout
Both Kim and her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, are now in custody. Yoon faces charges linked to his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Kim’s scandals—including the widely reported “Dior bag scandal”—contributed to Yoon’s party’s crushing defeat in the April 2024 elections.
The investigation has also led to multiple arrests of senior figures within the Unification Church and political allies of the former president, deepening what analysts describe as one of South Korea’s most dramatic political crises in recent history.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
