In an unprecedented development in South Korean political history, Kim Keon-hee, spouse of former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, has been formally indicted on corruption charges involving influence peddling and bribery. The special counsel team led by independent investigator Min Joong-ki announced the indictment on Friday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into corruption allegations surrounding the former presidential couple.
The prosecution alleges that Kim engaged in a systematic pattern of accepting luxury items in exchange for political favors during her husband’s presidency. According to the indictment, she received high-value jewelry valued at approximately 103.8 million won ($71,860) from a business executive between March and May 2022. These gifts were allegedly provided in exchange for promising business advantages and securing a government position for the businessman’s son-in-law.
Additional charges detail that Kim accepted a golden turtle figurine and a reproduction of a famous painting worth 2.65 million won, allegedly in connection with the appointment of a national education commission chief. The indictment further specifies that she received a luxury wristwatch valued at 39.9 million won from another business figure in return for promised commercial favors.
The special counsel team has recommended a 15-year prison sentence for Kim, who has been detained since August on separate corruption charges including violations of the Capital Markets Act, Political Funds Act, and anti-bribery legislation. The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 28 next year, setting the stage for a landmark judicial proceeding.
This case represents a historic moment as Kim becomes the first wife of a former South Korean president to face trial while in detention, highlighting the ongoing anti-corruption efforts within the country’s political system.