Seoul(The COW News Digital)Former First Lady Kim Kun-hee, wife of ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol, is facing a potential 15-year prison sentence as prosecutors demand heavy fines over allegations of stock market manipulation, bribery, and illicit receipt of luxury gifts. Kim has denied all charges in court.
According to Reuters, prosecutors recommended a total sentence of 15 years for Kim, who stands accused of receiving bribes, manipulating stock prices, and violating political fund regulations. The case stems from a year-long investigation following a brief attempt by Yoon to impose martial law last year and the associated political scandals. Wednesday’s hearing coincided with the first anniversary of Yoon’s martial law declaration.
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Prosecutors alleged that between 2010 and 2011, Kim earned approximately 800 million won (roughly $545,000) in illegal profits from small-share trades conducted by a group. Her legal team argued that she neither executed such trades nor gave any directives related to them.
Additionally, prosecutors claim Kim received luxury items valued at around 80 million won—two Chanel bags, a diamond necklace, and Korean ginseng—as bribes from the Unification Church. Kim’s defense contends that these were gifts given without expectation or coercion. Han Hak-ja, a church official also facing charges, denied instructing the church to offer these gifts.
The prosecution has also requested fines totaling 2 billion won (approximately $1.36 million) and the recovery of 940 million won in alleged illicit earnings.
Meanwhile, former President Yoon Suk-yeol is facing charges for allegedly planning a coup, punishable by life imprisonment or, if proven, even death. He has denied all accusations.
Last month, special prosecutors also recommended a 15-year prison sentence for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, accused of assisting Yoon in the attempt to enforce martial law. Han denies all charges, and his trial verdict is scheduled for January 21.
The proceedings against Kim and other high-profile figures underscore ongoing political tensions in South Korea, highlighting the intersection of alleged financial misconduct and attempts to consolidate power. Analysts note that the outcomes could have lasting implications for public trust in political institutions and elite accountability in the country.
