Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea's ousted president, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption. Her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, awaits a verdict on a high-stakes rebellion charge that could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment. Kim was found guilty of accepting luxury gifts, including a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel bag, from the Unification Church in exchange for promises of political favors. The court emphasized the significant influence a first lady can have on a president and the symbolic role she represents the country. Kim expressed humility and apologized for causing concerns. The presidential couple has been jailed separately for months, following Yoon's impeachment and removal from office due to his martial law debacle in December 2024. Yoon received a five-year prison term for defying authorities and other charges related to the martial law decree. Investigators clarify that Kim was not involved in Yoon's martial law enforcement. The 20-month sentence imposed on Kim was a surprise, as the independent counsel Min Joong-ki had called for a 15-year prison term on multiple charges. The court acquitted Kim of some charges due to a lack of evidence. The ruling party criticized the verdict, while Kim's lawyer suggested a politically motivated investigation. Kim has been in jail since August, and her husband's scandals during his presidency damaged his approval rating. Observers initially speculated that Yoon's martial law declaration was to protect his wife, but an independent inquiry downplayed this theory, attributing Yoon's actions to his own political motives.
