South Korea Court Extends Jail Term for Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee

A South Korean appeals court has sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to four years in prison. The court also found her guilty of stock manipulation and bribery and increased her earlier punishment.

The Seoul High Court said Kim took part in manipulating a thinly traded stock together with several traders. It overturned part of a lower court ruling that had cleared her of the charge.

“Kim exerted her influence as first lady and committed the bribery,” the court stated.

It also added that her actions damaged public trust in government transparency and caused a rift in public opinion over national affairs.

Luxury Gifts at the Centre of Bribery Case

The court further ruled that Kim accepted luxury items in exchange for influence. These included two Chanel bags and a Graff necklace worth about 80 million won (around $54,000). She received the items from individuals linked to the Unification Church.

Investigators said Kim knew the gifts carried expectations of political favour. As a result, the court imposed a 70 million won fine. It also ordered the confiscation of the necklace.

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Appeals Court Raises Earlier Sentence

Previously, a lower court had sentenced Kim to 20 months in prison for bribery. However, it cleared her of other charges.

Now, the appeals court has changed that outcome. It added the stock manipulation conviction and increased her sentence to four years.

At the same time, the court upheld her acquittal on election law violations linked to a 2022 by-election.

Kim continues to deny all allegations. She has remained in detention since August. Meanwhile, her lawyers say they will take the case to the Supreme Court.

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Case Linked to Wider Political Scandal

The case also connects to former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Authorities removed him from office after a major political crisis. Later, a court sentenced him to life imprisonment over his role in a 2024 martial law declaration.

In addition, former prime minister Han Duck-soo received a 23-year sentence. The court said he failed to act when the controversial plan unfolded.

Meanwhile, several former officials still face trial. As a result, the case continues to fuel debate in South Korea over political power, influence, and accountability.

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President of South Korea is Lee Jae-myung. PHOTO/ File