Post by : Bianca
Haleem
In a significant ruling, Kim Keon Hee, the former First Lady of South Korea, has been handed a 20-month prison sentence for corruption by the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday.
The court determined that Kim was guilty of accepting lavish gifts, such as a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel handbag, from the Unification Church in exchange for political favors, marking a misuse of her First Lady status for personal gain.
Through her lawyers, Kim expressed regret, stating she “humbly accepts” the court's decision and the concerns she raised within the public.
Initially, prosecutors sought a 15-year sentence on charges that included stock price manipulation, illegal political funding, and bribery. Nonetheless, the court acquitted her of two charges citing insufficient evidence. Prosecutors plan to appeal the decision, deeming the sentence too lenient.
Kim has been detained since August, after the court sanctioned her arrest over fears she might tamper with evidence. Her scandals significantly impacted the political landscape of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, plummeting his approval ratings during his presidency.
Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted from office following his declaration of martial law in December 2024. Earlier this month, he received a five-year sentence for related offenses and is currently awaiting a verdict on a rebellion charge, facing potential life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Investigations confirm that Kim was not part of the martial law conspiracy. Authorities allege Yoon deliberated for over a year on imposing military rule to silence political rivals, although no evidence ties Kim to that decision.
Experts opine that given South Korea's moratorium on executions since 1997, Yoon is more likely to face a life sentence or a lengthy prison term.
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