South Korea’s ex-first lady Kim received bribes and meddled in state affairs, prosecutor says

SEOUL – The wife of former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol interfered in state affairs in return for expensive valuables and money, a special prosecutor said on Dec 29.

The special prosecutor’s investigations, which wrapped up on Dec 28, came amid a year-long probe into Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law in 2024 and related scandals linked to the once-powerful couple.

The prosecution team earlier in December sought a

15-year prison sentence

for former first lady Kim Keon Hee, who is under detention and currently on trial for suspected acceptance of bribes for mediation and other charges.

Kim has denied any wrongdoing. She apologised to the public for causing concerns during a court hearing earlier in December. 

Kim “took advantage of the status of the president’s spouse to receive money and expensive valuables, and has been widely involved in various personnel appointments and nominations”, special prosecutor Min Joong-ki said at a news conference, marking the end of his investigation. 

A Lower Court ruling on Kim is expected on Jan 28.

“Investigations do not end because one says so, but are eventually completed with evidence in court,” Kim’s lawyers said in a statement on Dec 29, adding they will work “to ensure that procedural legitimacy and defence rights are thoroughly guaranteed so that facts are not exaggerated or distorted into political framing”.

The prosecution team has also indicted

Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja

, now on trial, after the religious group was suspected of giving Kim valuables including two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace as part of its efforts to win influence. 

Han has denied that she directed her church to bribe Kim. 

“Various people who did not have a common denominator with each other visited Kim Keon Hee, not the president, and asked for what they wanted, and gave money and goods,” said assistant special prosecutor Kim Hyeong-geun. 

“As a result, their request was realised.”

Ousted president Yoon is on trial for suspected masterminding of an insurrection, a charge that could mean a life sentence or even a death penalty. He has denied the charges. 

A Lower Court ruling on Yoon is expected in early 2026. REUTERS