South Korea's Ex-First Lady Kim Keon-hee Sentenced to 7 Years for Accepting Luxury Gifts in Exchange for Favors

The Seoul Central District Court on June 26, 2026, sentenced Kim Keon-hee, wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, to seven years in prison for corruption involving the acceptance of luxury gifts in exchange for political and business favors. Judge Jo Soon-pyo emphasized that a president's spouse must exercise the highest degree of self-restraint, stating that Kim "neglected that social responsibility and repeatedly accepted valuables by exploiting her influence as a means of brokering favors."

The prosecution, led by independent counsel Min Joong-ki, had sought a 7.5-year sentence for Kim. The court convicted her of multiple counts of bribery, finding that between 2022 and 2023, she accepted high-end items including a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklace worth 138 million won ($90,000), a Tiffany brooch, earrings, a Dior handbag, a luxury watch, a gold turtle figurine, and a painting by renowned artist Lee Ufan worth 140 million won ($90,900). These gifts were given by businesspeople and officials seeking government appointments, business support, and political favors. The court ordered the confiscation of all gifts received.

Kim was charged with accepting the diamond necklace and jewelry from Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-kwan in exchange for securing a government post for his son-in-law; a luxury watch from businessman Seo Seong-bin, who sought support for his robotic dog business; gifts from Pastor Choi Jae-yong, who wanted to join civilian diplomatic delegations; and items from former National Education Commission chief Lee Bae-yong and former senior prosecutor Kim Sang-min, who sought various political favors. The court sentenced Lee Bong-kwan to one year in prison suspended for two years, Lee Bae-yong and Seo to suspended sentences, and fined Pastor Choi 8 million won ($5,200).

Kim, who admitted receiving the gifts but denied they were tied to favors, listened to the verdict with her head bowed while wearing a gray suit and white face mask. This ruling comes months after an appeals court in April 2026 increased her sentence from 20 months to four years in a separate case involving stock price manipulation and graft charges related to gifts from the Unification Church. Kim's defense team reportedly plans to appeal Friday's verdict.

The conviction marks a significant moment in South Korean politics, as Kim became the first wife of a former South Korean president to be tried while in detention. She was arrested in August 2025 and has been standing trial in multiple cases. Her husband, Yoon Suk-yeol, was removed from office in April 2025 following his impeachment over a martial law declaration in December 2024 and has since faced his own legal battles, including a life sentence for rebellion and a 30-year sentence over charges related to drone flights over North Korea's capital.