South Korea's Former First Lady Sentenced To 20 Months For Bribery
Seoul court gives Kim Keon Hee 20 months for accepting luxury gifts tied to Unification Church favors.
Overview
Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison after finding her guilty of accepting luxury gifts from the Unification Church in exchange for promises of business and political favors, according to court documents.
The conviction stems from a probe that followed former President Yoon Suk Yeols December 2024 martial law decree, which led to his impeachment and removal and intensified scrutiny of the presidential couple, records show.
Independent special counsel Min Joong-ki, who sought a 15-year term and a 2 billion won fine, said in a televised statement that the investigation will appeal the verdict as unjust, while Kims lawyer Choi Ji-woo called the probe politically driven.
Kim has been jailed since August after a Seoul court approved an arrest warrant citing risk of evidence tampering, and prosecutors alleged she received gifts worth about 80 million won, including a Graff necklace and Chanel bags.
The verdict arrives about three weeks before a separate court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on Yoon Suk Yeols rebellion charge related to the martial law imposition, which carries potential life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story as a fall-from-power and legal reckoning, using charged descriptors like 'spectacular fall from grace' and 'debacle' and by foregrounding courtroom verdicts and prosecutors' positions. They prioritize legal authorities and opposition reactions while juxtaposing Kim's apology and defense claims, emphasizing institutional judgment and political collapse.
Sources (4)
FAQ
Kim Keon Hee received luxury items including a Graff diamond necklace and Chanel bags, delivered through intermediaries.
History
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