A Seoul court on Friday sentenced Kim Keon-hee, wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, to seven years in prison after finding her guilty in a series of corruption cases, including selling government posts in exchange for luxury gifts.
The Seoul Central District Court said Kim accepted expensive items that were beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. Independent counsel Min Joong-ki had sought a seven-and-a-half-year prison term, alleging she traded public appointments for high-value jewellery and luxury goods. Her legal team is expected to appeal the verdict.
Prosecutors said Kim received a necklace, brooch and earrings from a businessman between March and May 2022 in return for appointing his eldest son-in-law to a government position. She was also accused of accepting a gold turtle from a former education commission chief in April 2022, a wristwatch from a robot dog entrepreneur in September 2022 for business favours, a designer handbag from a pastor between June and September 2022, and a painting from a former prosecutor in February 2023 linked to a nomination request.
Indicted while in detention in August 2025, Kim became the first wife of a former South Korean president to stand trial in custody. She also faces separate charges related to alleged political interference involving the People Power Party in 2023.