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Kim Keon Hee Gets 20 Months in Prison for Unification Church Bribery

Prosecutors plan to appeal after the court cleared her of stock manipulation as well as political‑funding violations.

Overview

  • The Seoul Central District Court found the former first lady guilty of accepting luxury gifts, including Chanel handbags and a Graff diamond necklace, from Unification Church officials in exchange for political favors.
  • Judges ordered a forfeiture of 12.8 million won and the confiscation of the necklace, criticizing her misuse of the influence tied to her role as presidential spouse.
  • Special counsel Min Joong-ki had sought a 15-year term and major fines, and his team called the verdict and sentence too lenient as it prepares an appeal.
  • Kim was acquitted on allegations of Deutsch Motors stock manipulation and on claims of illegal political polling benefits due to insufficient evidence.
  • Both Kim and former president Yoon Suk Yeol are in custody after separate convictions, while related cases saw ex-church official Yun Young-ho jailed for 14 months and lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong sentenced to two years.