South Korea Ex-First Lady Jailed 20 Months for Bribery

South Korea’s former first lady, Kim Keon-hee, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after being found guilty of accepting bribes, in a high-profile corruption case heard by the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday.

Kim, the wife of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, was convicted of taking luxury gifts and bribes, including items from the controversial Unification Church, in exchange for political favours.

The court ruled that Kim’s conduct constituted corruption, but acquitted her of related charges, including stock manipulation and violations of campaign financing laws, due to insufficient evidence.

Although prosecutors had sought a much longer sentence, she received 20 months behind bars. Kim has been in detention since August 2025, and her legal team has indicated it may appeal the verdict.

The sentencing comes amid broader legal challenges involving Kim’s husband, former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who has also received prison sentences in separate cases, highlighting intensified scrutiny and accountability for high-level officials in South Korea.