South Korea’s Ex-First Lady Jailed for 20 Months for Bribery
Kim Keon Hee’s Conviction
– Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady of South Korea, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes from the controversial Unification Church.
– Alongside her sentence, she was ordered to return a diamond necklace and repay 12.85 million won.
Key Details of the Case
– The court cleared the 52-year-old Kim of charges related to stock price manipulation and receiving free opinion polls from a political broker prior to the 2022 presidential election, which her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, won.
– Notably, Yoon Suk Yeol has already received a five-year prison sentence for abusing power and obstructing justice concerning a failed martial law attempt in 2024.
– This unprecedented ruling marks the first time in South Korea’s history that a former presidential couple has been convicted simultaneously.
Court’s Ruling and Comments
– At the Seoul Central District Court, Judge Woo In-sung determined that Kim had misused her position as a means of pursuing personal gain. He remarked, The higher one’s position, the more consciously one must guard against such conduct. The defendant failed to reject solicitations and was preoccupied with self-adornment.
Financial Improprieties
– A special counsel revealed that Kim accepted 80 million won (approximately $56,000, £40,600) worth of gifts, including a Graff diamond necklace and several Chanel handbags, from the Unification Church between April and July 2022 in exchange for business and political favors.
– The prosecution had initially sought a 15-year jail term along with a fine of 2 billion won for the various charges presented; however, the court noted Kim did not demand or solicit the bribes and had no significant criminal record.
Ongoing Legal Battles
– In addition to her current charges, Kim faces allegations tied to a scheme aimed at recruiting Unification Church followers for the conservative People Power Party, which her husband is affiliated with, and accepting gifts in return for government job appointments. These cases remain pending.
Kim’s Response and Other Controversies
– Kim has consistently denied all charges, labeling them as deeply unjust, although she acknowledged receiving Chanel bags, claiming she later returned them without use.
– During a public apology prior to questioning in August, she stated, I am truly sorry that a nobody like me has caused concern to the people.
Conclusion
The investigation into Kim’s dealings has also implicated Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja. Beyond the criminal allegations, Kim was previously embroiled in controversy when Sookmyung Women’s University annulled her art education degree from 1999 after an ethics panel found her master’s thesis to be plagiarized. The fallout from these events underscores a significant moment in South Korean politics, highlighting the complexities and pitfalls of power.