A South Korean court sentenced Kim Gun-hee, 53, former First Lady and wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes from the Unification Church. However, she was acquitted of charges related to stock manipulation and receiving free opinion polls from political brokers before the 2022 presidential election, which her husband Yoon Suk-yeol won.
Previously, Yoon was sentenced to five years in prison for abuse of power and obstructing justice related to a failed attempt to declare martial law in 2024. This marks the first time in South Korean history that a former president and his spouse have been sentenced simultaneously.
Currently, both Kim and Yoon are in custody. Former President Yoon faces charges over the December 2024 martial law declaration, while Kim is accused of involvement in stock manipulation and receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church.
Kim Gun-hee was accused of accepting bribes from businessmen and politicians totaling over $200,000 (approximately 6.2 million baht), including two Chanel handbags and a Graff necklace from the cult leader. Prosecutors stated she acted "above the law" and conspired with the religious group to undermine the principle of separation of religion and state, as well as interfere in legislative elections.
A secretly recorded clip showing her receiving a luxury Dior bag valued at $2,200 became a key factor that led to the decline in her husband's popularity and his defeat in the 2024 general election.
Kim denied all allegations during her final testimony last month, calling the charges "highly unjust." Nonetheless, she apologized to the public for "causing turmoil" and admitted to having "made several mistakes" given her roles and responsibilities.
Political analyst Park Sang-byung told AFP that there is a high likelihood Kim could receive a prison sentence of at least 10 years, citing the case of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was recently sentenced to 23 years—eight years more than prosecutors requested—for supporting the martial law declaration.
The same day’s verdict also covered lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong, a key parliament member accused of accepting bribes from the Unification Church. This ruling may lead to a sweeping crackdown and expanded investigation into the Unification Church in the future.
,AFP