A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison for accepting luxury gifts, including Chanel bags and a diamond pendant, from Unification Church officials in exchange for political favours.
Kim, the wife of ousted ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, was acquitted of other charges, including stock price manipulation and violations of the political funds act. Prosecutors have announced plans to appeal the not-guilty verdicts, according to local media reports.
The ruling, delivered by Seoul Central District Court, is part of a wider series of trials linked to Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law in December 2024 and associated scandals involving the former first couple. Kim has been in detention since August amid the investigations.
Lead judge Woo In-sung emphasized that while the first lady holds a symbolic role representing the nation, it does not grant formal authority over state affairs. “A person who was in such a position might not always be a role model, but the person must not be a bad example to the public,” he said.
The court also imposed a fine of 12.8 million won (US$8,990) and ordered the confiscation of the diamond necklace. Prosecutors had originally sought 15 years in prison and fines totaling 2.9 billion won if Kim had been convicted on all counts.
Kim, dressed in a dark suit and wearing a face mask, remained composed as the verdict was read. Her lawyers issued a statement saying she “humbly accepts the court’s stern criticism” and regrets “causing public concern.” Supporters of Kim and Yoon gathered outside the courthouse in freezing weather, cheering after the acquittals were announced.
The Unification Church, whose leader Han Hak-ja is also on trial, stated it had not expected any return for the gifts and denied any attempt to bribe Kim.
Kim had faced public scrutiny prior to Yoon’s 2022 election over her academic record and alleged connections to stock manipulation, a political broker, and a shaman suspected of influencing the couple.
Yoon, removed from office in April, faces eight ongoing trials, including one for insurrection linked to his failed martial law bid. He has appealed a five-year prison term for obstructing his arrest, and a separate court hearing on the death penalty for insurrection is set for Feb. 19.
