South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon-hee has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes while her husband Yoon Suk-yeol served as president. The conviction centres on her acceptance of extravagant luxury items from the controversial Unification Church, widely known as the Moonies, in return for political influence.
Luxury Gifts and Political Favours
The court found Kim guilty of receiving high-value gifts including a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel handbag from the religious organisation. Prosecutors argued these items were provided in exchange for political favours from the presidential office during Yoon's administration.
In delivering the verdict, Judge Woo In-seong told Seoul Central District Court that Kim had 'misused her status as a means of pursuing profit'. The judge emphasised that 'the defendant was unable to refuse the expensive luxury items provided in connection with the Unification Church's requests, and was thirsty to receive and adorn herself with them'.
Marie Antoinette Comparisons
The case has drawn inevitable comparisons to executed French queen Marie Antoinette, with critics highlighting Kim's apparent 'thirst for luxury' throughout the proceedings. This perception of extravagance has followed the former first lady throughout her public life, contributing to her controversial public image.
Reduced Sentence Despite Serious Charges
The 20-month prison term represents a significant reduction from the 15-year sentence prosecutors had sought on three separate charges. These included allegations of stock price manipulation, political funding law violations, and accepting bribes. The court acquitted Kim on the first two charges, citing insufficient evidence.
Through her legal representatives, Kim stated she would 'humbly accept' the court's decision and 'apologizes again to everyone for causing concerns'. This response follows months of separate imprisonment for both Kim and her husband following their dramatic political downfall.
Presidential Downfall and Martial Law Crisis
The conviction arrives as former president Yoon awaits his own verdict on a high-stakes rebellion charge that could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Prosecutors have demanded capital punishment for Yoon's imposition of martial law in December 2024, which they argue constituted rebellion against the state.
Yoon's declaration of military rule ultimately led to his impeachment and removal from office after lawmakers, including members of his own party, voted down his decree. The former president was subsequently arrested and formally removed from power following a Constitutional Court ruling.
Controversial Public Figure
Kim Keon-hee has courted controversy throughout her time as first lady, facing multiple allegations beyond the bribery charges. Her academic credentials came under scrutiny when both her undergraduate and doctoral degrees were revoked after institutions found extensive plagiarism in her work.
Further controversy emerged when her doctoral dissertation was revealed to focus on divination, leading to claims she influenced her husband's interest in the supernatural. Both have denied allegations that she drew Chinese symbols on his palm as talismans or sought unconventional medical treatments.
Political Influence and Public Perception
Observers suggest Kim's unpopularity stems partly from her position as a wealthy, successful, childless woman with strong opinions in South Korea's largely conservative society. Her reported comments about wielding political influence and describing her husband as 'a fool' in covertly recorded conversations have further damaged her public standing.
The former first lady has also faced criticism for supporting convicted rapist Ahn Hee-jung and allegedly expressing violent sentiments toward political opponents. Many analysts believe her continuous controversies severely impacted her husband's approval ratings and provided ammunition to political rivals.
Legal Proceedings Continue
While Kim begins her prison sentence, attention now turns to the impending verdict in Yoon's rebellion case expected in March. Legal experts suggest the court is likely to impose life imprisonment or a lengthy jail term rather than capital punishment, given South Korea's de-facto moratorium on executions since 1997.
Prosecutors maintain there is no evidence of Kim's involvement in Yoon's martial law declaration, despite speculation that the former president implemented military rule to protect his wife from criminal investigations. The separate legal proceedings against South Korea's former first couple represent one of the most dramatic political downfalls in the nation's recent history.
