A Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday sentenced Kim Keon Hee, wife of impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol, to 20 months in prison for accepting luxury gifts from the controversial Unification Church, in a case that has deepened the political crisis surrounding the couple.
Judge Woo In-sung found the 53-year-old former first lady guilty of corruption, ruling that she had exploited the “significant influence” her position afforded her for private gain. The court highlighted gifts that included a Chanel handbag and a Graff necklace provided by members of the church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.
Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence, accusing Kim of standing “above the law” and colluding with the church in ways that undermined the constitutional separation of religion and state. The court, however, acquitted her of separate charges of stock manipulation and violations of campaign financing laws, resulting in a considerably lighter penalty.
In a statement issued after the verdict, Kim apologised for “the concern” caused to the public and said she accepted the court’s “stern criticism”. Her legal team told reporters she had not yet decided whether to appeal. Prosecutors described the sentence as “hard to accept” and confirmed they would challenge the ruling.
Kim still faces two additional trials on bribery allegations and violations of the Political Parties Act, stemming from claims that she facilitated the mass enrolment of more than 2,400 Unification Church followers into Yoon’s People Power Party.
The Unification Church, founded in 1954 by the late Reverend Sun Myung Moon, has long maintained a prominent and often contentious presence in South Korean public life. Known for its anti-communist stance during the Cold War era, mass wedding ceremonies, and extensive global business interests, the church has faced persistent accusations of cult-like practices and undue political influence. Its ties to conservative politicians have repeatedly sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it has sought to blur the lines between religious activities and state affairs.
Kim’s legal troubles have been a recurring feature of Yoon Suk Yeol’s troubled presidency. Scandals involving the former first lady, including 2023 hidden-camera footage showing her accepting a $2,200 Dior handbag—later dubbed the “Dior bag scandal”—contributed to a sharp decline in public support for the administration. The controversies helped deliver a heavy defeat to the ruling People Power Party in the April 2024 parliamentary elections, leaving it without a majority.
In response, Yoon vetoed three opposition-led bills aimed at launching special investigations into the allegations against his wife, with the final veto coming in November 2024. Just one week later, he declared martial law—a move that lasted only hours but triggered his impeachment and eventual removal from office.
Both Yoon and Kim are now in custody. Yoon was recently sentenced to five years in prison in the first of multiple trials linked to the martial law declaration, while former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo received a 23-year term for aiding the suspension of civilian rule.
Wednesday’s proceedings also resulted in sentences for others connected to the case. Yun Young-ho, a former Unification Church official, received 14 months for offering luxury gifts to Kim and providing illegal political funds to a lawmaker. Opposition lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, an ally of Yoon, was jailed for two years for accepting 100 million won ($70,000) from the church. The investigation has additionally led to the arrest of Han Hak-ja, the church’s current leader.
