South Korea’s Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee Detained on Graft Charges
South Korea’s Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee Detained on Graft Charges
South Korea’s former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, has been detained after a court issued an arrest warrant late last Tuesday, August 5th, following accusations of graft. The arrest marks a historic moment, as Kim Keon Hee becomes the first former first lady in South Korea to be jailed.
The detention comes as part of a wide-reaching probe led by a special prosecutor, with charges against Kim ranging from stock fraud to bribery and illegal influence peddling. She has consistently denied the accusations, including one involving a luxury Van Cleef pendant, reportedly worth over 60 million won ($43,000), worn at a 2022 NATO summit, which was allegedly not disclosed as required by law.
Further allegations include receiving two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace as bribes from a religious group in exchange for favorable influence. Prosecutors sought her arrest citing the risk of evidence destruction and interference with the ongoing investigation, an argument accepted by the court. Kim’s lawyers have previously dismissed the accusations as groundless speculation.
This development follows the ouster and subsequent jailing of her husband, ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, in April. Yoon is currently on trial for charges including insurrection after a botched attempt to impose martial law in December and has also denied wrongdoing.
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