South Korea’s Former First Lady Jailed for 20 Months for Corruption

The ruling against Kim Keon Hee came three weeks before the court delivers its verdict on the rebellion charges of her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
South Korea’s Former First Lady Jailed for 20 Months for Corruption
South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, wife of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review her arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors, in Seoul, South Korea, on Aug. 12, 2025. Jung Yeon-je/Pool Photo via AP
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South Korea’s former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced on Jan. 28 to one year and eight months in prison for corruption.

Seoul Central District Court handed down the sentence after finding Kim guilty of receiving luxury gifts, including a Chanel bag and a Graff diamond necklace, from the Unification Church, in exchange for promises of political favors.
Victoria Friedman
Victoria Friedman
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Victoria Friedman is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of international stories, with a particular interest in technology, eastern Europe, and defense.