A South Korean court on Friday sentenced former First Lady Kim Keon-hee to seven years in prison for corruption, finding her guilty of accepting bribes in exchange for political and business favors. The decision marks a major new development in a case that directly implicates the former head of state.
According to the Seoul Central District Court, Kim Keon Hee allegedly used her influence as First Lady to favor certain appointments and grant professional advantages to specific individuals. In exchange, she allegedly received valuable goods, including jewelry and luxury items.
Among the items mentioned were a Dior handbag, a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a Tiffany brooch, and a pair of Graff earrings. The judge ruled that these gifts constituted bribes that compromised the integrity of public decisions.
The court also emphasized that these practices had undermined public confidence in the fairness of appointments within South Korean institutions. It concluded that the defendant had accepted these gifts "without the slightest hesitation" in exchange for her political influence.
Kim Keon Hee is the wife of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted in 2025 following a failed attempt to impose martial law. The legal case is taking place within a political context already heavily marked by tensions surrounding his former term.
Her lawyer indicated that the former First Lady would appeal the decision, contesting in particular the way the evidence was handled during the trial. This conviction is expected to further fuel the political debate in South Korea on the accountability of elites and the fight against corruption.
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