Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady of South Korea, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for taking bribes from the Unification Church. The Seoul Central District Court made a big decision in the corruption case against her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, on January 28, 2026.
Kim Keon Hee, 52, was found guilty of bribery for getting expensive gifts like a Chanel handbag and a diamond necklace in exchange for political favors. The prosecutors wanted a 15-year sentence, but the court gave them one year and eight months, which could be put on hold. There wasn’t enough evidence to convict her of manipulating stocks or breaking the law with political funds.
The case is based on gifts worth millions of won from the Unification Church, which is known for being controversial. Some of these gifts were meant to influence appointments. Kim denied doing anything wrong and said the accusations were “unfair,” but he did admit to “disturbances.” This comes after Yoon’s failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024 and his own five-year prison sentence for obstruction.
There are appeals for both Kim and Yoon, and supporters are protesting the prosecutions. The ruling brings attention to South Korea’s elite during a time of political unrest after Yoon was removed from office in April 2025.
