The spouse of the deposed leader of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been imprisoned for accepting valuable items such as a diamond necklace, a Tiffany brooch, and artworks in exchange for favors. Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady, was given a seven-year prison sentence by the Seoul Central District Court for corruption related to these gifts.
This verdict adds to Kim’s existing four-year jail term from a separate case involving gifts from the Unification Church and involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme. Judge Jo Soon-pyo emphasized the importance of upholding ethical standards for the spouse of a president, stating that Kim had abused her influence to receive gifts for personal gain.
The court also mandated the seizure of the gifts Kim had accepted, including a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklace, a Tiffany brooch, a Dior handbag, a gold turtle sculpture, and a painting by renowned Korean artist Lee Ufan. Despite admitting to receiving the gifts, Kim denied any connection between the gifts and favors.
Kim, adorned in a gray suit and a white face mask, received the verdict with a bowed head. While her legal team criticized the ruling as being based on insufficient evidence and announced plans to appeal, Kim has been under trial for multiple cases since her arrest last August.
Yoon, who was removed from office in April 2025 following a period of martial law and political clashes, is currently facing legal proceedings for various charges, including rebellion and provocative actions toward North Korea during his tenure. The liberal President Lee Jae Myung, who succeeded Yoon, has initiated numerous investigations into the previous administration’s conduct.
The court convicted Kim of accepting bribes, including a valuable necklace and other items, in exchange for securing government positions for certain individuals. Not only was Kim found guilty, but other individuals involved in the bribery scheme were also handed sentences by the court.
Apart from these charges, Kim was found to have accepted gifts from various individuals seeking government support or favors. The court issued suspended prison terms to some individuals involved in providing these gifts, emphasizing the consequences of corruption and influence peddling.
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