South Korean Court Sentences Ex-First Lady Kim Keon Hee to Seven Years in Prison for Accepting Gifts

The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kim Keon Hee to seven years in prison on June 26, 2026, after convicting her of accepting luxury gifts from businesspeople and others in exchange for political and business favors. Judge Jo Soon-pyo said a president’s spouse must exercise the highest degree of self-restraint and vigilance, yet Kim neglected that responsibility and repeatedly accepted valuables by exploiting her influence as a means of brokering favors.

The court ordered confiscation of a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklace, a Tiffany brooch, a Dior handbag, a storage case for a gold turtle figurine, and a painting by Lee Ufan.

Kim was convicted on multiple counts, including receiving jewelry worth 138 million won from Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-kwan in 2022 in exchange for securing a government post for his son-in-law. She was also convicted of accepting a luxury watch from businessman Seo Seong-bin, a Dior handbag and other gifts from Pastor Choi Jae-yong, a gold turtle and traditional painting from former National Education Commission chief Lee Bae-yong, and a Lee Ufan painting worth 140 million won from former senior prosecutor Kim Sang-min.

The court sentenced Lee Bong-kwan to one year in prison, suspended for two years.

It gave Seo Seong-bin and Lee Bae-yong suspended prison sentences and fined Choi Jae-yong 8 million won. Kim admitted receiving the gifts but denied they were tied to favors. Kim was arrested in August 2025.

Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office in April 2025 after his impeachment over the imposition of martial law in December 2024. He was arrested in July 2025 and has appealed a life sentence for rebellion and a separate 30-year term over charges that he ordered drone flights over North Korea’s capital. Liberal President Lee Jae Myung won an early election last year to replace Yoon.

A special prosecutor indicted Kim in December 2025. Kim has been standing trial in multiple cases since her arrest. Her lawyers did not immediately say whether they would appeal the verdict. Wearing a gray suit and white face mask, she listened quietly with her head bowed as the ruling was delivered.