Court finds Kim Keon Hee abused her position to receive luxury gifts tied to political and business favors

South Korea’s judiciary has handed a 20-month prison sentence to Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady and wife of impeached ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, after finding her guilty of accepting bribes connected to the Unification Church.

Kim, 52, was convicted by a Seoul court for receiving luxury gifts valued at approximately 80 million won. The items included a diamond necklace and several Chanel handbags, which prosecutors said were offered in exchange for political access and business-related favors.

In its judgment, the court ruled that Kim “exploited her status for personal benefit,” noting that the gifts were not casual tokens but were clearly linked to expectations of influence. However, the judges imposed a sentence far below the 15 years sought by prosecutors, citing Kim’s lack of prior criminal convictions and the finding that she did not actively solicit the bribes.

As part of the sentence, Kim was ordered to repay 12.85 million won, while the diamond necklace at the center of the case was confiscated.

The ruling is historic, marking the first time in South Korea’s history that both members of a former presidential couple have been convicted. Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office earlier, is already serving a five-year prison term for abuse of power and obstruction of justice.

Despite the conviction, Kim’s legal troubles are not over. She is still facing separate charges related to allegations that she helped recruit members of the Unification Church into the conservative People Power Party, a case that could further deepen the political fallout from the scandal.

The verdict underscores South Korea’s long-standing pattern of holding even its most powerful political figures accountable, reinforcing the judiciary’s message that no one is above the law.

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