Kim Keon Hee Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Corruption
Kim Keon Hee Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Corruption
Former South Korea first lady Kim Keon Hee receives a 20-month prison term over corruption charges, linked to lavish bribes from the Unification Church amid a political downfall.
A Seoul court has sentenced Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison after finding her guilty of corruption. The verdict marks a dramatic fall from grace for the former first lady, who was accused of leveraging her position to secure personal gains.
The court said Kim accepted lavish bribes from the Unification Church, including a Chanel bag and a Graff necklace, as part of her improper dealings. She was, however, cleared of charges related to stock manipulation and violations of campaign financing laws.
Staying close to a president can wield influence, the judge noted, but the defendant allegedly exploited her proximity for personal benefit. The case unfolds alongside broader political turmoil surrounding the former presidency.
Kim Keon Hee is married to ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, who is also serving prison time for his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024 and the chaotic aftermath that followed.
Kim’s rise began with her art-focused ventures, including Covana Contents, which she led for years, and her high-profile marriage to Yoon in 2012, a pairing that placed her in the public eye as a style icon as well as a political figure. The verdict brings a close to a long, highly scrutinized saga in South Korea’s political landscape.
