In the history of South Korea, the first lady & her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, are already behind bars in South Korea, having been imprisoned for the first time, because the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, received a 20-month prison sentence for corruption. Kim, the wife of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, accepted bribes during her time as first lady while her husband currently serves his prison sentence.
Who Is South Korea’s Ex-First Lady, Kim Keon Hee?
Kim Keon Hee is 52 years old and a former businesswoman and academic who became a public figure through her marriage to Yoon Suk Yeol. During Yoon’s presidency, she remained a controversial figure for a period of time, frequently criticised for alleged ethical lapses and undue influence. Even after her lack of official governmental duties, Kim maintained strong control over her unofficial authority.
Why Was Kim Keon Hee Jailed for Corruption?
The Seoul court determined that Kim accepted bribes, which totalled 80 million won from the Unification Church between April and July 2022. The gifts included a Graff diamond necklace and luxury Chanel handbags, which were given in exchange for political and business favors. The judge determined that Kim had used her official role to obtain personal benefits because she did not ask for bribes directly.
What Charges Was She Cleared Of?
The court declared Kim guilty of bribery, but she received an acquittal for stock price manipulation and for allegations that she had obtained free opinion polls before the 2022 presidential election. The court observed that there was no direct evidence proving her involvement in those violations, while her criminal record showed limited offenses.
Other Controversies Surrounding Kim Keon Hee
After the corruption charges, Kim faced academic and ethical scrutiny. In 2025, Sookmyung Women’s University annulled her master’s degree over plagiarism findings. She was questioned over alleged involvement in political recruitment schemes linked to the Unification Church.
Kim Keon Hee’s conviction is one of the examples of South Korea’s hard stance against corruption, even at the highest political levels.
