South Korea’s Seoul Central District Court has sentenced former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, to 20 months in prison after finding her guilty in a high-profile bribery case. The court ruled that she accepted luxury gifts in exchange for political favors, undermining public trust in democratic institutions.
In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine and ordered confiscation of items linked to the bribery charges, including a diamond necklace. However, Kim was acquitted of separate charges related to stock manipulation and political funds violations, though prosecutors have indicated plans to appeal.
The verdict marks a historic moment, as both the former president and first lady now face convictions in separate corruption cases. Yoon Suk Yeol was earlier sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to impose martial law in 2024.
Analysts note that the sentencing reflects South Korea’s judiciary’s firm stance on accountability, reinforcing the principle that no individual is above the law. The case has drawn widespread public attention, symbolizing a dramatic fall from grace for the former presidential couple.
