South Korean Former First Lady Kim Keon-hee Sentenced to Prison on Bribery Charges

A Seoul district court sentenced former South Korean first lady Kim Keon-hee to one year and eight months in prison on bribery charges.

A Seoul district court ruled that Kim Keon-hee, the wife of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, illegally accepted luxury gifts linked to political influence.

According to the verdict, the gifts included a Chanel handbag and an expensive diamond necklace received from a religious group seeking access and influence.

The court said Kim abused her position as first lady, ruling that accepting luxury items connected to political influence violated South Korea’s strict anti-corruption laws.

The ruling applies to one of three criminal cases currently filed against Kim, and the court noted that the verdict remains subject to appeal.

In sentencing remarks, the judge said Kim used her status as the president’s spouse for personal benefit and failed to resist receiving high-value luxury items.

Kim was cleared in the same case of separate charges related to stock manipulation and alleged collusion to receive free political opinion polls, citing insufficient evidence or expired statutes.

The conviction marks the first time in South Korean history that a former presidential couple has simultaneously faced prison sentences, deepening a major political scandal.

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