A South Korean court has handed down a sentence of one year and eight months in prison to former first lady Kim Keon Hee for accepting Chanel bags and a diamond pendant from Unification Church officials in exchange for political favors. Kim, the spouse of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was acquitted of charges related to stock price manipulation and violating political funds laws. Prosecutors plan to appeal the not-guilty verdicts.
The court’s decision comes amidst a series of legal proceedings following investigations into Yoon’s brief implementation of martial law in 2024 and associated scandals involving the once-influential couple. The lead judge emphasized that while the first lady does not hold formal power to engage in state affairs, she serves as a symbolic representative of the nation.
In addition to the prison term, Kim was ordered to pay a fine of 12.8 million won and forfeit the diamond necklace. Kim, who had been in custody since August during the investigation led by a special prosecutor, denied all allegations. Her legal team is considering appealing the bribery conviction.
Yoon, who was ousted from office last year, faces multiple trials, including charges of insurrection following his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law. He has contested the accusations, arguing that his declaration of martial law was warranted to address government obstruction by opposition parties.
Supporters of Yoon and Kim celebrated outside the court after the verdicts were announced. The Unification Church stated that the gifts were given to Kim without any expectations in return. The church’s leader, Han Hak-ja, also under trial, denied instructing bribery to Kim.
Yoon is currently appealing a five-year prison sentence for impeding his arrest after the martial law declaration. Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty against him in a separate trial for allegedly orchestrating an insurrection, with a verdict expected on February 19.
