By: The Trek News Desk
A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison after finding her guilty in a corruption-related case. The verdict comes at a crucial time, as the judiciary is set to soon deliver its decision in the case against ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial imposition of martial law.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Kim accepted bribes from the Unification Church in exchange for extending business-related favours. However, the court acquitted her of allegations linked to stock price manipulation and violations of political funding laws, citing a lack of sufficient evidence.
The ruling was delivered nearly three weeks before the expected verdict in the rebellion case against former President Yoon. Notably, an independent counsel had earlier sought the death penalty for Yoon in connection with the martial law episode that shook the country in 2024.
Prosecutors had pushed for a much harsher sentence for Kim, demanding 15 years in prison along with fines amounting to 2.9 billion won (approximately $2 million). They alleged that she had accepted luxury Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace from the Unification Church in return for political influence. The court, however, dismissed several of these claims due to insufficient proof.
Kim Keon Hee has consistently denied all accusations. Her legal team stated that they would carefully review the court’s decision before deciding whether to challenge the conviction. Prosecutors also retain the option to appeal.
The Unification Church maintained that the gifts were given without any expectation of favours. Its leader, Han Hak-ja, who is also facing trial, has rejected allegations that she orchestrated any bribery.
The case is part of a broader series of legal proceedings that followed investigations into former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived declaration of martial law and the multiple controversies that surrounded the once-powerful presidential couple.
Source: News Agencies
