The Seoul court will hand down a verdict Wednesday in the corruption trial of former first lady Kim Keon Hee, with prosecutors seeking a 15-year prison term for alleged stock fraud, bribery and collusion with the Unification Church. Kim denies the charges but has apologized for mistakes tied to her public role. Both Kim and President Yoon Suk Yeol are in custody amid a wider political crisis following the December 2024 martial law declaration. Observers say recent heavy sentences in related cases increase the likelihood of a lengthy term if Kim is convicted.
Verdict Looms for Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee as Prosecutors Seek 15-Year Term
Controversy long surrounded South Korea's Kim Keon Hee, accused of stock manipulation and accepting lavish bribes (ANTHONY WALLACE)(ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/AFP)
A Seoul court is set to deliver its verdict on Wednesday in the high-profile corruption trial of former first lady Kim Keon Hee, after prosecutors asked for a 15-year prison sentence over alleged stock fraud, bribery and collusion with the Unification Church.
The 53-year-old Kim has been at the center of controversy for years, accused of influence-peddling, accepting lavish gifts and intervening in political affairs during her husband Yoon Suk Yeol's presidency. Both Kim and Yoon are currently in custody — Yoon on charges related to his declaration of martial law in December 2024 and its chaotic aftermath, and Kim on multiple corruption-related counts.
Charges and Allegations
Prosecutors allege Kim accepted more than $200,000 in bribes and luxury gifts from businesses and figures linked to the Unification Church, including two Chanel handbags and a Graff necklace. She also faces accusations of stock manipulation, academic misconduct and meddling in parliamentary elections.
Prosecutors: Kim "stood above the law" and colluded with the religious group to erode "the constitutionally mandated separation of religion and state," and her actions "severely undermined" South Korea's institutions, prosecutor Min Joong-ki told the court.
Defence And Public Remarks
Kim has denied all criminal charges, calling the accusations "deeply unjust" in her final testimony. At the same time, she offered a public apology, saying she regretted mistakes tied to her public role:
"When I consider my role and the responsibilities entrusted to me, it seems clear that I have made many mistakes," she said in December.
Political Context And Wider Implications
The trial takes place against a backdrop of major political upheaval. Former prime minister Han Duck-soo was recently sentenced to 23 years for aiding actions that suspended civilian rule — a harsher term than prosecutors requested — prompting observers to predict a heavy sentence for Kim if convicted. The investigation into Kim also contributed to the arrest of Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja; prosecutors say the group has extensive political and economic ties.
The court is expected to begin reading the verdict at about 2:00 pm local time (0500 GMT). If Kim is found guilty on any counts, sentencing will follow immediately.
What Comes Next
A conviction and a lengthy sentence would deepen the political crisis in South Korea, affect public trust in institutions and could prompt further investigations into the Unification Church and its networks. Observers say the outcome will be closely watched both domestically and internationally as a test of accountability at the highest levels of power.
Help us improve.
