A South Korean court is set to deliver its long awaited verdict on Wednesday in the bribery and corruption trial of Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, a decision that could send the former first lady to prison.
The ruling by the Seoul Central District Court marks a critical moment in a sweeping legal reckoning tied to the collapse of Yoon’s presidency and the scandals that engulfed one of the country’s most powerful political couples. Prosecutors have sought a 15 year prison sentence and heavy financial penalties if Kim is convicted.
At the centre of the case are allegations that Kim accepted luxury gifts, including Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace, from figures linked to South Korea’s Unification Church in exchange for political favours. Prosecutors also accuse her of manipulating stock prices and breaching political funding laws by receiving private opinion polls from a political broker to influence candidate selection.
Special prosecutor Min Joong ki said Kim abused her position at the heart of government. “She took advantage of the status of the president’s spouse to receive money and expensive valuables, and was widely involved in personnel appointments and nominations,” he told the court in December.
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Kim has denied all charges, arguing that she never sought or accepted bribes and played no improper role in political decisions.
The Unification Church has also rejected the allegations. In a statement, the group said the gifts were provided without any expectation of political return. Its leader, Han Hak ja, who is standing trial in a related case, denied directing any attempt to bribe Kim.
The verdict comes amid a cascade of trials following Yoon’s removal from office last April. Investigations intensified after his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, a move that triggered mass protests and a swift political collapse.
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Yoon now faces eight separate trials, including charges of insurrection and abuse of power. Earlier this month, a court sentenced him to five years in prison for obstructing efforts to arrest him following the martial law decree. He has since filed an appeal.
The court’s decision on Kim can still be challenged by either side, meaning the legal process may continue for months even after Wednesday’s ruling.
The Kim Keon Hee trial ruling is being closely watched across South Korea, where public trust in political elites has been shaken by repeated corruption scandals. Analysts say the case has become a symbol of accountability at the highest levels of power, particularly involving unelected figures operating behind the scenes.
