Kim Keon Hee, 52, wife of removed former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes linked to the Unification Church.
The court found Kim “exploited her status for personal benefit,” receiving gifts worth around 80 million won, including a diamond necklace and Chanel handbags, in exchange for political and business favors. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence, but the court cited her lack of prior criminal history and the fact she did not actively solicit the bribes. She must repay 12.85 million won, and the necklace was confiscated.
The rulings mark the first time both members of a former South Korean presidential couple have been convicted, as Yoon is already serving five years for abuse of power and obstruction of justice. Kim still faces additional charges related to recruiting Unification Church members into the conservative People Power Party.
