South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to 20 months in prison on Wednesday after a court found her guilty of accepting bribes tied to the Unification Church, in a high-profile case that has deepened the legal fallout around the country’s former leadership.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Kim abused her status as the president’s spouse by receiving luxury items in return for political favors. Reports said the gifts cited in court included high-end items such as a Chanel bag and a diamond necklace.
While the bribery charge was upheld, the court dismissed other allegations due to insufficient evidence, including accusations linked to stock-related wrongdoing and political funding violations. Prosecutors had sought a far heavier sentence and signaled they would appeal, arguing the punishment was too lenient given the seriousness of the conduct.
The verdict comes as Kim’s husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, remains entangled in separate legal troubles following his removal from office, making the case a major political moment as well as a corruption trial.
Kim’s legal team is expected to review the ruling and consider an appeal.