Former South Korean First Lady Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Corruption
In a significant legal development, Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol, has been handed a 20-month jail term for corruption. The sentencing, delivered on Wednesday 28 January 2026, centres on her acceptance of high-end gifts from the Unification Church in exchange for political favours.
Luxury Gifts and Political Favours
The court found that Kim received extravagant items, including a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel bag, from the Unification Church. In return, she was accused of exploiting her position to secure personal gains. The lead judge on the three-justice bench emphasised that individuals in such prominent roles must not set a bad example for the public, stating, "A person who was in such a position might not always be a role model, but the person must not be a bad example to the public."
As part of the ruling, Kim was ordered to pay a fine of 12.8 million won (approximately £6,495), and the court demanded the confiscation of the diamond necklace. However, she was acquitted on separate charges related to stock price manipulation and violations of political funding laws. Prosecutors had initially sought a much harsher 15-year prison term for all charges.
Broader Political Context and Husband's Legal Troubles
This case unfolds against the backdrop of her husband's own legal and political turmoil. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted from office after declaring martial law in December 2024, a move that led to his impeachment and removal by South Korea's Constitutional Court in April. Earlier this month, he received a five-year jail sentence for mobilising the presidential security service to obstruct authorities from executing an arrest warrant against him.
Yoon now faces even more severe rebellion charges, which could result in a life sentence or the death penalty. His case is scheduled for a court ruling next month. He has defended his martial law decree as a response to perceived obstruction from the liberal-controlled parliament, but it sparked widespread protests and was reversed by parliament after just six hours.
Reactions and Future Legal Steps
In response to the verdict, Kim's legal team issued a statement saying she "humbly accepts the court's stern criticism" and expressed regret for causing public concern. They indicated plans to review the ruling and consider an appeal against the bribery conviction. Meanwhile, the Unification Church maintained that it did not expect anything in return for the gifts, distancing itself from the allegations of quid pro quo.
During Yoon's presidency, Kim was frequently embroiled in scandals, leading to speculation that his martial law bid was an attempt to shield her from investigation. However, an independent six-month probe into these events downplayed this theory, suggesting more complex motivations behind the political crisis.
