South Korea’s former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was sentenced to 20 months in prison on Wednesday for accepting lavish gifts from the cult-like Unification Church. The Seoul Central District Court acquitted her of stock manipulation and campaign finance violations.
Judge Woo In-sung said Kim used her close proximity to President Yoon Suk Yeol to gain “significant influence” for personal benefit. The court noted that positions of power should never be used for private gain. Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence, but Kim received a far lighter punishment.
During the trial, Kim was found guilty of accepting luxury items, including a Chanel handbag and a Graff necklace. She attended the hearing wearing a black suit and a white face mask. Following the ruling, Kim apologized, saying she accepted the court’s stern criticism. Her lawyers have not confirmed whether they will appeal.
Prosecutors criticized the ruling, calling it “hard to accept” and announced plans to appeal. They argued that Kim colluded with the Unification Church to undermine the separation of religion and state. The investigation also led to arrests of church officials and associates who provided gifts and illegal funds.
Kim still faces two additional trials for bribery and violations of the Political Parties Act, including allegations of mass enrolling Unification Church followers into Yoon’s conservative People Power Party.
The former first lady’s scandals have repeatedly overshadowed her husband’s political agenda. Her involvement in the “Dior bag scandal” in 2023, in which she allegedly accepted a $2,200 luxury handbag, contributed to public criticism and electoral losses for Yoon’s party.
On the same day, other figures connected to the case were sentenced, including Yun Young-ho, a former church official, who received 14 months in prison, and opposition lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, who was jailed for two years for receiving illegal funds.
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The sentencing of Kim Keon Hee underscores South Korea’s continued efforts to address corruption and hold high-profile figures accountable. Analysts say the rulings reflect broader concerns over abuses of power in the country’s political system.
