South Korea’s ex-first lady, Kim Keon Hee, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting lavish gifts from the Unification Church, a cult-like religious organization, a Seoul court ruled on Wednesday. She was acquitted of charges including stock manipulation and violations of campaign finance laws.
Judge Woo In-sung of the Seoul Central District Court said Kim had abused her proximity to the presidency for personal gain. Items recovered in the investigation included a Chanel handbag and a Graff necklace. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence.
Kim, 53, is married to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently in custody over actions related to his declaration of martial law in December 2024. The ruling comes amid a series of high-profile convictions linked to the administration, including former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, sentenced to 23 years, and ongoing proceedings against other officials allegedly tied to the church.
Kim, known internationally for her animal rights advocacy, has denied wrongdoing but apologized in December for “causing trouble despite being a person of no importance.”
