In an unprecedented turn of events, Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea's imprisoned ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, has been arrested on multiple charges including stock manipulation and bribery. During a lengthy court session in Seoul, she maintained her innocence, yet the judge deemed it necessary to authorize her detention to prevent potential evidence tampering. This significant development highlights a disturbing trend in South Korean politics, where former heads of state and their families increasingly face legal scrutiny.
Wife of South Korea's Former President Detained on Corruption Charges
Wife of South Korea's Former President Detained on Corruption Charges
Ex-First Lady Kim Keon Hee faces accusations of stock manipulation and bribery, marking a historic first for South Korea.
Historically, South Korea has experienced a high rate of indictment among its former leaders, but this scenario is unique due to both a former president and the former first lady facing incarceration simultaneously. Yoon Suk Yeol himself was taken into custody in January following allegations of an unsuccessful martial law attempt that incited widespread unrest and culminated in his removal from office.
According to prosecutors, Kim, 52, is implicated in a scheme that allegedly profited her around 800 million won (approximately $577,940) through manipulated stock trades linked to Deutsch Motors, a local BMW dealership. Although these actions reportedly took place prior to her husband's presidency, they have cast a long shadow over his term. Additional accusations against her include receiving high-value gifts, such as Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, as bribes from the Unification Church in exchange for favorable business dealings.
On top of these charges, Kim is also accused of influencing candidate nominations during significant elections in 2022 and 2023. Appearing in the court proceedings with a serious demeanor, she expressed regret for the trouble caused, despite asserting her lack of importance.
Throughout Yoon's presidency, he vetoed several opposition-led proposals calling for an independent investigation into Kim's alleged misdemeanors, the last veto occurring just before he declared martial law. A special counsel was initiated following the election of Yoon's political rival, Lee Jae Myung, marking a critical pivot in the investigation of their administration.
According to prosecutors, Kim, 52, is implicated in a scheme that allegedly profited her around 800 million won (approximately $577,940) through manipulated stock trades linked to Deutsch Motors, a local BMW dealership. Although these actions reportedly took place prior to her husband's presidency, they have cast a long shadow over his term. Additional accusations against her include receiving high-value gifts, such as Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, as bribes from the Unification Church in exchange for favorable business dealings.
On top of these charges, Kim is also accused of influencing candidate nominations during significant elections in 2022 and 2023. Appearing in the court proceedings with a serious demeanor, she expressed regret for the trouble caused, despite asserting her lack of importance.
Throughout Yoon's presidency, he vetoed several opposition-led proposals calling for an independent investigation into Kim's alleged misdemeanors, the last veto occurring just before he declared martial law. A special counsel was initiated following the election of Yoon's political rival, Lee Jae Myung, marking a critical pivot in the investigation of their administration.
