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4h ago

Kim Keon Hee Denies Charges as Corruption Trial Opens With Limited Courtroom Filming

Her court appearance marks a first for a former president’s spouse, with her husband facing separate proceedings.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 24: Ex first lady Kim Keon-hee arives for her first trial hearing on corruption charges at a courtroom of the Seoul Central District Court on September 24, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. The hearing is taking place after special counsel indicted Kim with physical detention on charges of violating the Capital Markets Act, the Political Funds Act and a law on the acceptance of bribes for mediation on Aug. 29. Chung Sung-Jun/Pool via REUTERS
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 24: Ex first lady Kim Keon-hee attends for her first trial hearing on corruption charges at a courtroom of the Seoul Central District Court on September 24, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. The hearing is taking place after special counsel indicted Kim with physical detention on charges of violating the Capital Markets Act, the Political Funds Act and a law on the acceptance of bribes for mediation on Aug. 29. Chung Sung-Jun/Pool via REUTERS
Former first lady Kim Keon Hee (L) enters a courtroom at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on Sept. 24, 2025, to attend the first hearing of her corruption trial. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Former first lady Kim Keon Hee leaves the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul, in this file photo from Aug. 12, 2025, after attending a hearing on her potential arrest over corruption charges. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Kim Keon Hee appeared in person from detention for the opening hearing, where the court permitted about one minute of pre-session filming.
  • Prosecutors outlined charges alleging 810 million won in illicit stock gains, 270 million won in free opinion polls, and luxury gifts worth about 80 million won tied to Unification Church intermediaries.
  • Her lawyers rejected all counts during the 40-minute session, and Kim declined a jury, opting for a bench trial.
  • The court set a timetable that includes a preparatory session on Friday and twice-weekly hearings from Oct. 15, targeting completion of evidence review by late December.
  • The special counsel extended its investigation by 30 days, requested a court-ordered freeze of her assets, and scheduled additional questioning linked to a reported Lee Ufan painting.