A South Korean court has sentenced former First Lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison after finding her guilty of accepting lavish bribes from individuals linked to the Unification Church in return for political influence, marking one of the most notable anti-corruption rulings in the country’s history.
The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on 28 January 2026, concluding that Kim, the wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, had abused her position by accepting luxury items such as a Chanel handbag and a Graff diamond necklace from figures associated with the Unification Church in exchange for supporting their interests at the government level.
In its sentencing statement, the court emphasised that a first lady holds significant influence by virtue of her proximity to the president, and that this influence must not be exploited for personal gain. Kim was also ordered to forfeit about 12.8 million won (roughly US$9,000) and to surrender the seized diamond necklace.
Kim faced multiple charges in the case, including allegations of stock price manipulation and violations of South Korea’s political funds laws. However, the court acquitted her of those additional charges, finding insufficient evidence, and upheld only the bribery charge tied to the Unification Church gifts. Prosecutors had originally sought a much harsher penalty, up to 15 years in prison, and substantial fines, but the conviction was limited to the influence-peddling count.
The verdict is historically significant because it comes amid a broader legal and political reckoning in South Korea. Kim’s husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was removed from office following his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024 and has already been sentenced to five years in prison on related charges. He also faces separate proceedings that could result in life imprisonment or, in some scenarios, the death penalty.
Kim, who had denied the corruption allegations, expressed regret through her legal representatives and indicated that her defence team would consider an appeal of the ruling. The case continues to draw intense public scrutiny, both in South Korea and internationally, as it underscores ongoing efforts to hold powerful political figures accountable for corruption and abuses of office.
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