A South Korean court sentenced 53-year-old Kim Gun-hee, 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, former President Yoon Suk-yeol, won.
Previously, Yoon was sentenced to five years in prison for abuse of power and obstructing justice related to an unsuccessful 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. The former president faces charges related to declaring martial law in December 2024, while Kim is accused of involvement in stock manipulation and accepting luxury gifts from the Unification Church.
Kim Gun-hee is accused of accepting bribes from businessmen and politicians totaling over $200,000 (approximately 6.2 million baht), including two Chanel bags and a Graff necklace from the cult leader. Prosecutors also stated she acted "above the law" and conspired with the religious sect to undermine the principle of separation of religion and state, as well as to interfere in parliamentary elections.
A secretly recorded video showing her receiving a luxury $2,200 Dior bag became a key factor that caused her husband's popularity to plummet and led to his defeat in the 2024 general election.
Kim denied all allegations during her final testimony last month, calling the accusations "highly unfair." Nevertheless, she apologized to the public for "causing turmoil" and admitted to "making several mistakes" considering her role and responsibilities.
Political analyst Park Sang-byung told AFP that there is a high chance Kim will receive at least a 10-year prison sentence, referencing the case of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was recently sentenced to 23 years—eight years more than prosecutors sought—for supporting the declaration of martial law.
Additionally, the same day’s sentencing included Kwon Sung-dong, a prominent member of parliament also accused of accepting bribes from the same cult. This ruling could lead to a sweeping crackdown and an extensive investigation into the Unification Church in the future.
/AFP