Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee Convicted of Bribery, Gets 20 Months

The verdict centers on Unification Church gifts-for-favors allegations, with separate stock and political finance charges thrown out for lack of proof.

Overview

  • The Seoul Central District Court found Kim accepted luxury gifts from the Unification Church in exchange for business favors.
  • Judges acquitted her of stock manipulation and illegal political financing after finding insufficient evidence.
  • Items cited by the court included designer handbags and a diamond necklace, with valuations reaching tens of millions of won.
  • An independent prosecutor had sought a 15-year term and a large fine, and her defense team said it will review a possible appeal.
  • Kim has been detained since August under a warrant citing risk of evidence destruction, and the ruling comes as Yoon Suk Yeol awaits a separate rebellion verdict and church leaders face ongoing cases.