A South Korean appeals court has increased the prison sentence for former First Lady Kim Keon Hee from 20 months to four years on corruption charges, according to multiple reports. The ruling comes weeks after her husband, ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to life in prison for rebellion.
Key Takeaways
South Korea's former First Lady Kim Keon Hee received an extended four-year prison sentence for corruption charges. This follows her husband, ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, being sentenced to life in prison for rebellion.
- Appeals court increases Kim's sentence from 20 months to four years
- Convictions include receiving luxury gifts and stock manipulation
- Kim plans to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court
- Investigations stem from scandals tied to Yoon's martial law imposition
The Seoul High Court found Kim guilty of receiving luxury items including a Graff diamond necklace and two Chanel bags from the Unification Church, which sought political favors. The court also convicted her of stock price manipulation, reversing an earlier acquittal on that charge. According to Reuters, Kim was fined 70 million won ($54,257) and ordered to forfeit the necklace.
The couple's downfall stems from Yoon's imposition of martial law in December 2024, which led to his impeachment. As reported by NPR, investigators maintain Kim was not involved in her husband's martial law enforcement. However, the court stated that as first lady, she represented the country and failed to meet public expectations for integrity.
Kim's legal team announced plans to appeal Tuesday's ruling to the Supreme Court, arguing that independent counsel Min Joong-ki's investigation was politically motivated. The case is part of ongoing trials related to Yoon's martial law declaration and associated scandals. According to Reuters, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo received a 23-year sentence for allegedly turning a blind eye to Yoon's plans.
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