In a significant development in South Korean politics, Kim Keon Hee, the wife of jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol, has been arrested on multiple charges, including stock manipulation and bribery. During a tense four-hour court session in Seoul, Kim, 52, steadfastly denied the accusations against her but was met with a detention warrant from the court, which expressed concerns over the potential destruction of evidence.
This unprecedented situation marks the first time in South Korea’s political landscape that both a former president and the first lady have been imprisoned simultaneously. Yoon Suk Yeol has been in custody since January, facing trial due to his failed attempt at enforcing martial law, which led to widespread societal unrest and his eventual removal from office.
Prosecutors allege that Kim profited over 800 million won (approximately $577,940) through alleged involvement in a price-fixing scheme with Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealer in South Korea. While these actions reportedly occurred before her husband took the presidency, they continued to raise questions during his time in office. Additionally, Kim is accused of accepting luxury items, such as Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, as bribes from the Unification Church in return for business support.
Further allegations indicate her interference in candidate nominations during recent parliamentary elections in 2022. As she arrived for her court hearing dressed in a black suit, Kim expressed regret, stating, "I sincerely apologise for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance."
In a show of political maneuvering, Yoon had previously vetoed three legislative proposals for a special investigation into allegations surrounding Kim while he held presidential office. This vetoing spree ended just prior to his declaration of martial law. The current situation remains fluid as investigators, now with a special counsel appointed under President Lee Jae Myung, delve deeper into the investigations involving the former first couple.
