Source: Africa Publicity
Former First Lady of South Korea, Kim Keon Hee, has been jailed for seven years for taking bribes that included luxury items in return for political favours.
She was found guilty of taking bribes during and after her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol’s term of office.
The items she received as gifts include expensive designer handbag.
The Seoul Central District Court found her guilty on Friday, June 26, 2026, local media reports say.
The lead judge, Cho Sun-pyo, says “She exercised her power as first lady to offer jobs and business favours.”
The judge added she received the bribes “without hesitation”.
Reports say Kim was fined 64.8 million won ($42,000) and the court ordered the confiscation of the items she received.
She however denied the charges, saying the gifts weren’t bribes.
Her lawyers reportedly says she will appeal. Reports say the court found that she received jewellery worth over 100 million won ($64,750) from the owner of a construction company in exchange for giving his son-in-law a government job.
A pastor also gave her a Dior bag and other gifts for favours relating to public officials’ duties, the Korea JoongAng Daily newspaper reported.
