A South Korean court has handed former first lady Kim Keon Hee a jail sentence of one year and eight months for accepting luxury items from Unification Church officials in exchange for political favors. The court acquitted Kim, the wife of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, on charges of stock manipulation and violating political funds regulations. Prosecutors plan to appeal the not-guilty verdicts.
The verdict comes amid investigations into Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law in 2024 and scandals involving the former presidential couple. The court emphasized that while the first lady holds no formal power in state affairs, she symbolizes the country and must set a positive example for the public.
In addition to the jail term, Kim was fined 12.8 million won and the diamond necklace she received was confiscated. Kim, who has been in detention since August, denied all charges. Her legal team is considering appealing the bribery conviction.
Yoon, who was impeached last year, faces multiple trials, including charges of insurrection. He has defended his decision to declare martial law as a necessary response to government obstruction by opposition parties. The court is expected to rule on the insurrection charge on February 19.