Ex-South Korean First Lady Jailed in Corruption Case

South Korea’s former First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption, according to a ruling by the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday.

The court found Kim guilty of receiving expensive luxury gifts, including a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel bag, from the Unification Church in exchange for political favors. Judges said she abused her position as First Lady for personal gain.

Kim apologized through her lawyers, saying she “humbly accepts” the court’s decision and regrets causing public concern.

Prosecutors had earlier demanded a 15-year prison sentence on charges including stock price manipulation, illegal political funding, and bribery. However, the court acquitted her on two charges due to lack of evidence. Prosecutors have announced they will appeal the ruling, calling the sentence too lenient.

Kim has been in custody since August after the court approved her arrest, citing concerns that she could destroy evidence. Her scandals were a major political burden for former President Yoon Suk Yeol and damaged his approval ratings while in office.

Yoon Suk Yeol himself was removed from office after declaring martial law in December 2024. He was sentenced to five years in prison earlier this month for related charges. He is now awaiting a verdict on a rebellion charge, which could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Investigators say Kim was not involved in the martial law plan. Authorities claim Yoon plotted for over a year to impose military rule to crush political opponents, but no evidence links Kim to that decision.

Experts say Yoon is more likely to receive a life sentence or long prison term, as South Korea has not carried out executions since 1997.