SEOUL, Jan 28 — A Seoul court sentenced Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady of South Korea and wife of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, to 20 months in prison on Wednesday for accepting luxury gifts in exchange for political favors. The court found her guilty of accepting Chanel bags and a diamond pendant from officials of the Unification Church.
Prosecutors had initially sought a 15-year prison term and a fine of 2.9 billion won (approximately $2.55 million), but the court handed down a lighter sentence, also fining her 12.8 million won ($8,990) and ordering the confiscation of the jewelry.
Kim, who has been detained since August, denied all charges. Her legal team indicated they would review the court’s ruling and consider an appeal. The three-justice panel clarified that the role of first lady is symbolic and does not involve formal political power, but emphasized that individuals in such positions should not set a bad example for the public.
Lead judge Woo In-sung stated, “A person in the role of first lady might not always be a role model, but must not be a negative example to society.”
While Kim was convicted of accepting gifts in return for political favors, she was acquitted on charges of stock price manipulation and violations of the political funds act. Prosecutors plan to appeal the acquittals, media reports said.
During the court proceedings, Kim appeared in a dark suit and face mask, sitting quietly as the verdict was read. Supporters of Yoon and Kim gathered outside the court despite the cold weather, expressing relief at the not-guilty verdicts on the other charges.
The Unification Church stated it had not expected anything in return for the gifts, and its leader, Han Hak-ja, who is also on trial, denied any attempt to bribe Kim.
Kim’s legal troubles have kept her under intense public scrutiny, with questions raised about her academic background and alleged influence over her husband, including links to a political broker and a shaman. Her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office last April, faces multiple trials, including charges of insurrection related to his attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. He has appealed a five-year jail sentence for obstructing arrest attempts and awaits a court ruling on an incitement charge scheduled for February 19.
