A South Korean court sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison for accepting luxury gifts in exchange for political favors. The court said the gifts included Chanel bags and a diamond pendant from officials linked to the Unification Church.
Kim is the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office last year. The ruling is part of wider legal cases connected to scandals surrounding the former first couple.
The Seoul Central District Court (SCDC) cleared Kim of other charges, including stock price manipulation and violating the political funds law. Prosecutors said they will appeal the not-guilty verdicts.
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Judge Woo In-sung said the role of first lady holds no formal political power but carries moral responsibility. “A person in such a position must not be a bad example to the public,” he said.
The court also fined Kim 12.8 million won and ordered the confiscation of the necklace. She has been in detention since August during the investigation. Prosecutors had earlier demanded 15 years in jail and heavy fines if she was convicted on all charges.
Kim denied wrongdoing and said through her lawyers that she “humbly accepts the court’s stern criticism” and is “sorry for causing public concern.” Her legal team said they are reviewing whether to appeal the conviction.
Supporters of Kim and Yoon gathered outside the court in freezing weather and cheered when she was cleared of two charges. The Unification Church said it did not expect favors in return for the gifts, while its leader, Han Hak-ja, denied any bribery attempt.
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Kim has faced public criticism for years over questions about her academic record and alleged ties to a political broker and a person described as a shaman. Critics claimed these figures may have influenced the former first couple.
Yoon Suk Yeol is facing multiple trials, including charges of insurrection after his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024. He has appealed a five-year prison sentence and could face a separate ruling next month on even more serious charges.
