After South Korea's ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest, wife Kim Keon Hee also jailed in bribery and stock scam scandal
From first lady to prison cell
The 52-year-old faces a dizzying list of charges, including stock manipulation, bribery, and political meddling. Prosecutors allege she pocketed over 800 million won (£428,000) by engaging in a price-rigging scam tied to Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealer. This scheme, they claim, began before her husband entered office but haunted his presidency like an unshakable shadow.
Designer bags, diamonds and dirty politics
As if stock fraud was not enough, investigators say Kim accepted luxury bribes, including two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace, courtesy of the controversial Unification Church. These glittering gifts allegedly came in exchange for political and business favours.
Her controversies did not end there. She is also accused of meddling in candidate nominations for South Korea's parliamentary by-elections in 2022 and general elections in 2024. Prosecutors believe this backroom influence was part of a larger pattern of power abuse.
The courtroom drama
Kim arrived at Tuesday's four-hour court hearing dressed in an all-black suit and skirt, her expression somber. While she denied all charges, the court issued a detention warrant, citing fears she could destroy evidence if left free.
In a statement outside the courtroom, she admitted she was sorry for 'causing trouble' despite considering herself 'a person of no importance,' a remark that came off as both deflective and self-effacing.
A presidential legacy in ruins
Yoon Suk Yeol, her husband, has been in detention since January, facing trial over an attempted martial law grab that plunged the nation into chaos and ultimately cost him the presidency. During his time in office, Yoon blocked multiple opposition-led attempts to investigate his wife, issuing his final veto just a week before declaring martial law.
With both behind bars, South Korea's political drama has taken a dark new turn, cementing their legacy as one of the nation's most scandal-ridden power couples.
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