Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady of South Korea and wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to seven years in prison on Friday for bribery and influence-peddling involving luxury gifts from business figures and officials.
The Seoul Central District Court handed down the conviction on June 26, finding that Kim accepted high-end items worth approximately 290 million won (roughly $189,000 to $210,000), including designer handbags, jewelry, a luxury watch and valuable artwork, in exchange for political favors. The court described the actions as a “sale of public office.”
Among the gifts detailed in the case were a Dior handbag, a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklace, Tiffany brooch, Graff earrings, a Vacheron Constantin watch, a gold turtle figurine, and a painting by renowned artist Lee Ufan valued at around 140 million won. Prosecutors linked the items to specific requests, such as government appointments, business support for projects like robotic dogs, and help securing political nominations.
Judge Jo Soon-pyo stressed Kim’s position as the president’s spouse carried a “duty of the highest degree of self-restraint,” which she failed to uphold. “She repeatedly exploited her influence,” the judge noted, adding that the gifts went “beyond ordinary social courtesy” and formed clear quid pro quo arrangements. Prosecutors had sought seven years and six months.
Kim, who previously operated an art gallery, denied any wrongdoing, claiming the items were personal gifts from friends with no ties to official favors. She sat quietly with her head bowed as the verdict was read. Her legal team plans to appeal the decision.
The sentencing marks Kim’s second major conviction. She is already serving time from an earlier case involving stock manipulation and additional luxury gifts, including Chanel items. Her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, was impeached and removed from office in 2025 following a controversial martial law declaration attempt in late 2024. He faces separate serious charges that could carry a life sentence.
The developments come amid heightened accountability efforts under the current administration of President Lee Jae-myung. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of influence-peddling and corruption at the highest levels of South Korean politics, a recurring theme in the country’s recent high-profile scandals.
The court also ordered the confiscation of recoverable gifts and imposed an additional fine of about 64.8 million won ($42,000) on Kim. Appeals are common in such cases, meaning the final outcome could shift in the coming months.
