South Korea’s Former First Lady Sentenced for Corruption
The Seoul Central District Court has handed down a 20-month prison sentence to Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea’s ousted president, Yoon Suk Yeol. This verdict arrives as Yoon faces a separate high-profile charge of rebellion, which could lead to severe penalties, including the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Kim was convicted of accepting luxury items such as a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel handbag from the Unification Church in exchange for political favors. The court emphasized the influential role of a first lady, stating, “Being closest to a president, a first lady can exert significant influence on him and is a symbolic figure who represents the country together with a president.” They added, “But the defendant exploited her position to seek personal gains.” Kim has expressed her acceptance of the court’s decision, apologizing for her actions via her legal counsel.
Political Fallout and Impeachment
The former presidential couple has experienced a notable decline following Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration in December 2024, which led to his impeachment and subsequent removal from office. Yoon is currently serving a five-year sentence for resisting arrest and other charges tied to the martial law order. Investigations have cleared Kim of any involvement in Yoon’s martial law enforcement.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
Prosecutors had initially sought a 15-year sentence for Kim, citing charges of stock manipulation and political funding violations. However, the court acquitted her of two charges due to insufficient evidence and other factors. The independent counsel, Min Joong-ki, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and plans to appeal. The Democratic Party criticized the outcome, suggesting it might convey a message that “abuse of power like Kim Keon Hee’s can be tolerated.” Kim’s attorney, Choi Ji-woo, argued that the investigation was politically motivated and described the 20-month sentence as “relatively high.”
A Series of Contentious Events
Kim’s legal troubles began with her arrest in August, amidst fears she might tamper with evidence. During Yoon’s presidency, she was embroiled in multiple scandals, contributing to dwindling approval ratings for the conservative leader. Speculation arose that Yoon’s martial law declaration was an attempt to shield his wife from investigations. Nonetheless, an independent probe led by Cho Eun-suk found no evidence linking Kim to Yoon’s decision to declare martial law.
Awaiting Yoon’s Verdict
The court’s decision regarding Kim comes just weeks before Yoon’s own verdict on rebellion charges, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for his actions. While a conviction could lead to a death sentence or life imprisonment, experts suggest a lengthy prison term is more probable due to South Korea’s de-facto moratorium on executions since 1997.
Yoon’s abrupt martial law declaration on December 3, 2024, aimed to combat “anti-state forces” and “shameless North Korea sympathizers.” Despite deploying troops around the National Assembly, the move backfired as thousands protested, and legislators, including Yoon’s party members, opposed his decree. This sequence of events culminated in Yoon’s impeachment, arrest, and eventual ousting by the Constitutional Court.
