In a landmark legal decision, Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady of South Korea, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes from the controversial Unification Church. The Seoul Central District Court found Kim guilty of receiving luxury gifts, including a Graff diamond necklace and Chanel handbags, in exchange for political favors. This case has captivated the nation, marking the first time in South Korea's history that a former presidential couple has been convicted simultaneously.

Bribery and Legal Proceedings

Judge Woo In-sung, presiding over the case, emphasized that Kim misused her position for personal gain, stating, "The higher one's position, the more consciously one must guard against such conduct." The court ordered Kim to repay 12.85 million won and confiscated the diamond necklace. Despite the conviction, Kim was acquitted of charges related to stock price manipulation and political funding law violations due to insufficient evidence.

Political Context and Reactions

Kim's husband, former president Yoon Suk Yeol, is currently serving a five-year sentence for abuse of power following his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024. The couple's legal troubles have sparked widespread debate in South Korea, with the governing Democratic Party criticizing the verdict as lenient. Kim's lawyer, Choi Ji-woo, argued that the investigation was politically driven and announced plans to appeal the sentence.

A History of Controversy

Before her tenure as first lady, Kim was a businesswoman and art enthusiast. Her career has been marred by allegations of plagiarism and tax evasion, although she was cleared of the latter in 2023. The annulment of her art education degree by Sookmyung Women's University in 2025 further fueled public scrutiny. Kim has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the charges against her are unjust.