Prosecutors allege Kim Keon Hee took over $260,000 in bribes, including art and luxury goods, and illegally meddled in state affairs
SEOUL: South Korea’s former first lady has been accused by prosecutors of accepting bribes totalling over $260,000 and illegally interfering in state affairs.
Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, allegedly received luxury items including fine art, jewellery, and designer handbags.
Prosecutor Min Joong-ki stated the nation’s institutions were “severely undermined by abuses of power” by Kim.
She allegedly “illegally intervened in state affairs behind the scenes, beyond the public’s view,” said prosecutor Kim Hyung-geun.
The alleged bribes from businesses and politicians totalled 377.25 million won (approximately $263,000).
Items reportedly received included a Graff necklace and Chanel bags from the Unification Church leader, plus a painting by Lee Ufan, a Dior handbag, and a wristwatch.
Former president Yoon denied knowledge of the transactions, a claim prosecutor Kim Hyung-geun said “many find difficult to accept”.
Prosecutors have demanded a 15-year prison term and a two billion won (about $1.4 million) fine for the former first lady.
They accused her of colluding with the Unification Church to undermine the constitutional separation of religion and state.
Kim Keon Hee has denied all charges, stating in her final testimony that the allegations were “deeply unjust”.
She added, “Yet when I consider my role and the responsibilities entrusted to me, it seems clear that I have made many mistakes.”
Kim was arrested in August and is also under investigation for alleged stock manipulation.
She has separately been accused of meddling in parliamentary elections.
Her husband, ex-president Yoon, was removed from office and arrested this year on insurrection charges, which he denies.
This marks the first time a South Korean former president and his wife have both been detained.
A Seoul court is scheduled to sentence Kim on January 28.
