Judge Woo In-sung of the Seoul Central District Court today convicted former first lady Kim Keon-hee of corruption and sentenced her to 20 months in prison. Kim was accused of accepting bribes from the Unification Church, including a Chanel handbag and a Graff necklace.

However, Kim was acquitted of charges related to stock manipulation and violations of election finance law. Prosecutors had previously sought a 15-year prison sentence for her.

Judge Woo stated that Kim's marital relationship with former President Yoon Suk-yeol afforded her "significant influence." He added that Kim "abused her position as a means to pursue personal gain."

Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon-hee in Seoul in 8/2025. Photo: Reuters

During her final hearing last december, prosecutors accused Kim of "standing above the law" and colluding with the Unification Church to undermine "the constitutional separation of religion and state." The 53-year-old former South Korean first lady appeared in court wearing a black suit, glasses, and a face mask.

The former first lady at the time denied all charges, stating that the accusations were "unjust." However, she also offered an apology for causing trouble, despite being "a person without official capacity."

Separately, former President Yoon Suk-yeol was previously recommended by prosecutors for the death penalty for imposing martial law in 12/2024. The court is expected to announce a verdict in mid-february. South korea has not carried out the death penalty for decades.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters, Yonhap)