In brief
Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady of South Korea, has received a 20-month prison sentence for accepting gifts worth approximately $56,000 from the controversial Unification Church. While she faced multiple charges, the court acquitted her on stock manipulation allegations. Additionally, this case is notable as it marks the first instance in South Korea where a former presidential couple faces legal consequences concurrently. Following her sentencing, Kim acknowledged her misconduct and expressed remorse while denying any malicious intent.
The wife of South Korea's ousted former president, Kim Keon Hee, has been sentenced to 20 months in jail for accepting bribes from the controversial Unification Church.
Despite this conviction, the court cleared the 52-year-old on charges of stock price manipulation and receiving free opinion polls from a political broker before the 2022 presidential election, which her husband Yoon Suk Yeol won.
Yoon himself has already been sentenced to five years in jail for abusing power and obstructing justice in relation to his failed martial law bid in 2024.
This marks the first time in South Korean history that a former presidential couple has been convicted at the same time.
Judge Woo In-sung of the Seoul Central District Court remarked that Kim had “misused her position as a means of pursuing personal gain,” stressing that high-ranking officials must be particularly vigilant against such conduct.
After the verdict, Kim accepted the court's stern admonition and stated, I will not take its weight lightly. She apologized for the concern she caused, despite previously denying all charges.
A special counsel investigation revealed that Kim accepted about 80 million won (roughly $56,000) in gifts from the Unification Church, including a Graff diamond necklace and multiple Chanel handbags, in exchange for political and business favors. She has been ordered to repay 12.85 million won and forfeit the necklace.
Kim also faces charges related to her alleged role in recruiting Unification Church followers for the ruling People Power Party and accepting gifts for government job appointments. Further hearings regarding these allegations are pending.
Though she admitted to receiving luxury bags, Kim emphasized that she returned them unused. This scandal is compounded by earlier controversies, including the annulment of her art degree due to a plagiarism finding.
