SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — South Korea’s political system has been rocked by a major corruption ruling after former First Lady Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to four years in prison for abuse of office and related corruption offences, following a decision by an appellate court that significantly increased her earlier punishment.
The ruling was delivered after a review of earlier judgments connected to allegations of stock manipulation, bribery, and improper influence involving financial and political interests linked to powerful business and religious figures.
The appellate court found that Kim participated in stock price manipulation involving a thinly traded Korean company, overturning a previous acquittal and concluding that she played a direct role alongside multiple traders in influencing market behaviour.
The court also upheld serious bribery findings, stating that Kim accepted luxury gifts, including Chanel handbags and a Graff necklace, reportedly valued at around 80 million won, from the Unification Church, while being aware of expectations for political favour in return.
Judges strongly condemned her conduct, stating that she used her position as First Lady to exert influence, warning that such actions damaged public trust in government transparency and weakened confidence in national institutions.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a financial penalty of 70 million won and ordered the confiscation of the luxury necklace, reinforcing the seriousness of the offences.
Kim has been in detention since August and had previously received a 20-month sentence for bribery in an earlier ruling, although she was initially cleared of several related charges before the appellate court expanded her liability.
Additional allegations, including claims of illegally supporting a political candidate during a by-election, were reviewed, but the court upheld earlier findings that she was not guilty of violating election laws.
Despite the conviction, Kim continues to deny all charges and is expected to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle that could further influence public debate in South Korea.
The case forms part of a wider political scandal involving her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose administration has faced multiple corruption and abuse-of-power investigations.
Yoon was previously removed from office and later sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of orchestrating an insurrection linked to controversial political actions during his tenure.
The fallout has extended to other senior political figures, including former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who received a lengthy prison sentence after being found complicit in failing to act against unlawful political decisions.
Legal proceedings involving additional aides and officials remain ongoing, reflecting a broader judicial crackdown on alleged corruption and misuse of power within South Korea’s political elite.
Observers say the case highlights deep institutional tensions and a growing demand for accountability, as courts continue to pursue high-level prosecutions linked to abuse of office and political misconduct.
As appeals continue and further trials unfold, the ruling against Kim Keon Hee is expected to remain a defining moment in South Korea’s ongoing struggle over political transparency and governance reform.
