Kim Keon-hee

Kim Keon-hee, former First Lady of South Korea, has faced numerous legal proceedings following her husband Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office. In April 2026, the Seoul High Court sentenced Kim to four years in prison and a 50 million won fine for stock manipulation related to Deutsch Motors (2010-2012), ruling she was an active participant who gained 810 million won. The court also convicted her of bribery for accepting gifts, including Chanel handbags and a Graff diamond necklace, from figures linked to the Unification Church to influence policy. In June 2026, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced her to an additional seven years in prison for influence peddling. This case involved accepting luxury goods (Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, Tiffany & Co. brooch, Graff earrings, gold turtle ornament, and artwork) in exchange for securing government and political appointments. Kim was previously acquitted of charges regarding the receipt of political opinion polling data. Additionally, her academic degrees from Sookmyung Women's University and Kookmin University were revoked in 2025 due to confirmed plagiarism, and her teaching license was subsequently canceled. She has been incarcerated at the Seoul Nambu Detention Center since her arrest on August 12, 2025.