Former South Korean First Lady accused of receiving bribes exceeding $260,000.
On December 29, South Korean special prosecutors officially concluded that Kim Keon Hee, the wife of impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol, had abused her position to interfere deeply in national affairs and received bribes in the form of luxury goods worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
At a press conference announcing the results of a year-long investigation, prosecutor Min Joong-ki asserted that South Korean institutions had been "seriously damaged by the abuse of power" by the former First Lady. Kim is accused of acting "above the law," turning political influence into a tool for personal gain.
Prosecutors allege that the total value of bribes Kim received from businesses and politicians amounted to 377.25 million won (approximately $263,000). The bribes included expensive designer items and valuable works of art: two Chanel handbags; a Dior handbag; a Graff diamond necklace; a high-end wristwatch; and a painting by renowned Korean minimalist artist Lee Ufan.
Notably, a large portion of these gifts, including diamond necklaces and Chanel bags, were identified as coming from Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, with the aim of exerting political influence. Han has also been prosecuted in this case.
Assistant Special Prosecutor Kim Hyeong-geun emphasized, "Many individuals, who had no connection to each other, approached Kim Keon Hee, instead of the President, to offer money, gifts, and make requests. As a result, those requests were granted."
Not only was she accused of receiving gifts, Kim Keon Hee was also accused of illegally interfering in important national affairs.
According to the indictment, she "illegally interfered in state affairs from behind the scenes, outside of public oversight." Specifically, she influenced personnel appointments, nominated officials, and even interfered in parliamentary elections.
In light of this evidence, in early December, prosecutors recommended a 15-year prison sentence and a fine of 2 billion won (approximately $1.4 million) for Ms. Kim.
During the hearings, Kim Keon Hee denied all criminal charges, calling them "profoundly unjust." However, in her final statement, she admitted, "Upon reviewing the role and responsibilities entrusted to me, it is clear that I have made many mistakes," and offered her apologies to the public.
The case of Kim Keon Hee unfolded concurrently with the political tragedy of her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Yoon was impeached and arrested this year after his failed attempt to declare martial law in December 2024, plunging South Korea into political turmoil. He now faces charges of leading a rebellion – a crime that could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. His trial is expected to conclude in early 2026.
This marks the first time in modern South Korean history that both a former president and his wife have been detained and criminally prosecuted simultaneously.
The court is expected to deliver its final verdict on Kim Keon Hee on January 28, 2026.