A Seoul court has sentenced Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady of South Korea, to 20 months in prison for accepting expensive bribes from a religious organization while her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was in office.
The Seoul Central District Court found Kim guilty of corruption on Wednesday for receiving high-end gifts—including a Chanel handbag and a Graff necklace—from the Unification Church, a controversial religious group. However, she was acquitted of separate charges related to stock manipulation and campaign finance violations.
Judge Woo In-sung stated that Kim’s position as first lady had given her “significant influence,” which she exploited for personal gain. “One’s position must never become a means of pursuing private gain,” he remarked during sentencing.
Kim, who appeared in court wearing a black suit and a face mask, later issued an apology for “the concern” caused by her actions. Her legal team has not yet confirmed whether she will appeal the verdict.
Prosecutors, who had sought a 15-year prison term, expressed disappointment with the ruling and announced plans to appeal.
This case is part of a wider series of scandals that plagued the Yoon administration, contributing to its loss of parliamentary support in 2024. In a separate trial earlier this month, former President Yoon was sentenced to five years for crimes linked to his declaration of martial law in late 2024.
Kim still faces two additional trials related to bribery and alleged violations of political party laws.
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