Published：Jun 21, 02:17Last updated：Jun 26, 12:30

Former South Korean First Lady Sentenced to 7 Years

Jun. 21, 2026 02:17

The Seoul Central District Court will deliver its verdict on former first lady Kim Keon Hee on June 26, 2026, in Seoul. Kim is accused of receiving luxury gifts in exchange for job appointments and business favors. She allegedly received jewelry, a Dior bag, and a painting, among other items. Special counsel Min Joong-ki's team has requested a 7.5-year prison term. Kim has pleaded not guilty, claiming the gifts were unrelated to specific requests.

Summarized

14News

7Media

Jun. 26, 2026 08:42

On June 26, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kim Keon Hee, wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, to seven years in prison for allegedly selling influence. The court found her guilty of accepting gifts worth 300 million KRW (approx. 132.68 million RMB) in exchange for favors. Her legal team announced plans to appeal, arguing the court overemphasized unfavorable evidence. This follows a previous sentence of four years for stock manipulation and bribery in April. The prosecution had sought a 7.5-year sentence and confiscation of illegal gains.

Jun. 26, 2026 12:30

The wife of former President Yoon has been sentenced to 7 years in prison for accepting kickbacks. The court found her guilty of corruption, emphasizing the legal consequences for such actions. This case underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Korea. The sentencing was announced on June 26, 2026.

The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, to seven years in prison for accepting bribes in exchange for political favors. The court found her guilty of exploiting her position to influence job appointments and business decisions, accepting luxury gifts worth over 300 million won, including jewelry, a Dior bag, and a painting. This verdict follows her previous four-year sentence in April 2026 for stock manipulation and bribery, marking a significant moment in South Korea's anti-corruption efforts.

🏛️ Court Verdict Details

The court emphasized Kim's lack of remorse and the gravity of her actions, which undermined public trust. Special counsel Min Joong-ki's team had sought a 7.5-year prison term, highlighting the seriousness of the charges. The court also ordered the confiscation of high-value gifts and imposed a fine of 64.8 million KRW. Kim pleaded not guilty, claiming the gifts were unrelated to specific requests, but the court rejected her defense.Yonhap News Agency+2

🎁 Luxury Gifts Scandal

Kim was accused of receiving luxury items, including jewelry and designer handbags, in exchange for influencing official appointments during her husband's presidency. The prosecution cited her "personal greed" as a key factor in the case. The gifts were allegedly received between 2022 and 2023, and the court noted that Kim used her official status to conduct personal transactions.China.org+2

⚖️ Legal and Political Implications

This case marks the first time a South Korean former president and their spouse have been simultaneously jailed. The verdict has drawn significant public attention, with the sentencing hearing televised live. Kim's legal team plans to appeal, arguing that the court overemphasized unfavorable evidence. The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption in South Korea, with the court emphasizing the legal consequences for such actions.Huanqiu+2

📈 Previous Convictions

Kim's seven-year sentence supplements her previous four-year term for stock fraud and bribery, handed down in April 2026. The court's decision reflects a pattern of misconduct, with Kim repeatedly exploiting her position for personal gain. The prosecution's demand for a 7.5-year sentence and confiscation of illegal gains highlights the severity of her actions.China.org+2

South KoreaKim Keon HeeMin Joong-kiYoon Suk-yeolSeoul Central District Court