South Korean prosecutors accuse ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee of illegally intervening in state affairs
South Korean prosecutors concluded a six-month probe, stating former first lady Kim Keon Hee “illegally intervened in state affairs” and engaged in “modern-day sale of public offices.” She faces charges of accepting luxury gifts in exchange for political favors.
South Korean prosecutors announced on Monday that former first lady Kim Keon Hee “illegally intervened in state affairs,” capping a six‑month special investigation into corruption allegations involving the wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol. Assistant special counsel Kim Hyong‑kun stated that Kim had operated “behind the curtains” in what he described as “the modern‑day sale of public offices.”
Charges of Trading Influence for Gifts
Kim was indicted last week on charges of accepting luxury gifts—including an expensive painting—worth about 370 million won ($258,000) from business figures in exchange for government posts and political nominations. Prosecutors allege she supported a candidate seeking the ruling People Power Party’s nomination in last year’s general elections in return for the gifts.
Scope of the Investigation
The special counsel team examined three major suspicions: Kim’s alleged role in a stock‑price manipulation scheme, receiving free opinion services, and obtaining favors from the Unification Church. During the probe, 20 individuals, including Kim, were taken into custody, and dozens more were indicted. Both Kim and her husband, former President Yoon, remain under arrest and face separate trials on corruption and martial‑law charges, respectively.
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