South Korea’s Ex-First Lady Kim Keon-hee in Court on Corruption Charges!

South Korea’s Ex-First Lady Kim Keon-hee in Court on Corruption Charges!

Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa

Seoul, South Korea – Former First Lady Kim Keon-hee, wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, appeared in court today in the first hearing of her corruption trial amid mounting allegations that include stock manipulation, accepting bribes, and violating political finance laws.

Key Allegations

1. Stock Price Manipulation
   Kim is accused of conspiring with the former head of Deutsch Motors and a close associate to manipulate the company’s stock price, gaining approximately 810 million won (≈ US$581,000) during the period 2010–2012.
2. Illegal Political Funds / Free Polling Services
   Between 2021-2022, she and her husband are alleged to have used a political broker to run opinion polls without paying for them (worth about 270 million won) ahead of elections, in exchange for securing a nomination for a candidate in a by-election.
3. Acceptance of Luxury Gifts / Bribery
   The indictment includes charges of receiving luxury items—such as Chanel bags, a diamond necklace, and a Van Cleef & Arpels pendant—from the Unification Church through intermediaries. These gifts were allegedly connected to favourable treatment for the church’s business interests.
4. Violation of Laws on Capital Markets, Political Funds, and Bribe Mediation
   The charges include breaches of the Capital Markets Act, the Political Funds Act, and a law concerning the acceptance of bribes for mediation.

Court Appearance & Legal Process

Kim has been in detention since 12 August 2025, following a court-issued arrest warrant.

In today’s hearing, she was brought from the detention center, wearing her inmate number (4398), partially masked.

She stated that she is currently “unemployed” and requested a trial by judge, not jury.

The court is overseeing whether to freeze her assets, pending the trial.

Broader Context & Implications

This is the first time in South Korean history a former presidential spouse has been indicted and brought to trial on such charges.

Kim’s husband, ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, was removed from office earlier this year and is currently on trial for separate charges, including his attempted imposition of martial law.

The allegations also involve religious influence in politics, especially the Unification Church (also known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification), which is accused of having provided luxury gifts in order to secure favourable outcomes. The church has denied institutional wrongdoing.

Possible Outcomes

If convicted, Kim could face up to five years in prison, although this depends on which charges are upheld.

The trial could have far-reaching political impact, affecting public trust in government and religious institutions, especially in how political finance and influence are regulated.

Conclusion:
Kim Keon-hee’s trial marks a pivotal moment in South Korea’s legal and political history, as it probes the intersection of power, wealth, and influence. While the allegations are serious, she has denied wrongdoing and maintains her innocence. The judicial process will now proceed, potentially reshaping perceptions of leadership accountability in the country.

Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor the trial and report further developments.

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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