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Prosecutors in South Korea have concluded that Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, illegally interfered in state affairs and accepted luxury bribes totaling approximately $258,000 to $263,000, marking a dramatic expansion of the corruption scandal that has engulfed the country's former first family.
Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim Hyong-kun announced the findings at a press conference following the completion of a 180-day investigation into corruption allegations against Kim. The investigation determined that the former first lady "illegally intervened in state affairs behind the scenes" and was involved in "the sale of public offices," according to the prosecutor.
The case represents an extraordinary moment in South Korean politics, as it marks the first time both a former president and his spouse have faced detention simultaneously. Kim was arrested on Aug. 12 following the issuance of a warrant on charges including election interference and bribery.
Investigators found that Kim accepted bribes worth 370 million won to 377.25 million won in exchange for public positions and political candidacies. The gifts reportedly included two Chanel bags, a Graff necklace, luxury jewelry, a painting by renowned South Korean minimalist artist Lee Ufan, a Dior handbag, and a wristwatch.
Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim stated that the former first lady accepted these luxury items from businesses and politicians in return for government favors. Chief prosecutor Min Joong-ki said South Korea's institutions were "severely undermined by abuses of power" by Kim.
When questioned by investigators, former President Yoon denied knowledge of the transactions, "a claim that many find difficult to accept," prosecutor Kim Hyong-kun said.
Kim faces multiple charges under capital markets law, political funds law, and bribery statutes. The allegations include providing privileges to church officials and participating in a stock price manipulation scheme involving Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealership in South Korea, during the 2009-2012 period.
Earlier this month, prosecutors requested a 15-year prison sentence for Kim, arguing that she had "stood above the law" and colluded with the Unification Church to undermine the "constitutionally mandated separation of religion and state." They also requested a fine of two billion won, approximately $1.4 million.
Deputy Special Prosecutor Oh Jeong-hee noted that legal proceedings have been initiated against numerous individuals connected to the allegations involving Kim, and that the legal process will continue.
The case unfolds against the backdrop of broader political turmoil that began when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, 2024, claiming the opposition was involved in "anti-state activities." The National Assembly swiftly overturned the declaration, forcing Yoon to back down.
On December 14, 2024, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon, temporarily suspending him from office. The Constitutional Court approved the impeachment on April 4, officially removing Yoon from the presidency.
Lee Jae-myung, candidate of the opposition Democratic Party, won the subsequent election and was sworn into office on June 4, taking the oath in the National Assembly.
Kim has denied all charges. In her final testimony, she described the allegations as "deeply unjust," though she acknowledged that "when I consider my role and the responsibilities entrusted to me, it seems clear that I have made many mistakes."
A Seoul court is scheduled to deliver its verdict and sentence on January 28.
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