SEOUL – In a significant legal development, a South Korean court has handed down a 20-month prison sentence to former first lady Kim Keon Hee for corruption-related activities. This verdict comes on the heels of an impending judgment concerning former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is embroiled in a separate controversy involving the imposition of martial law last year.

Kim faced the gavel at the Seoul Central District Court, which found her guilty of accepting lavish gifts from the Unification Church, allegedly in exchange for facilitating business favors. This ruling caught many off guard, particularly as the prosecution had been advocating for a much harsher sentence of 15 years, based on accusations that included bribery, manipulation of stock prices, and violations of political funding laws.

While the court convicted Kim on bribery charges, it cleared her of the more severe allegations of stock price manipulation and breaches of political funding regulations, citing insufficient evidence to uphold these accusations.

Reacting to the judgment, Kim’s defense team expressed gratitude towards the court for its decision, although they described the 20-month sentence for bribery as “relatively high.” They have indicated plans to deliberate on the possibility of an appeal.

Kim has been detained since August, following the court’s approval of an arrest warrant, which was issued amid concerns that she might attempt to destroy evidence pertinent to the case.

Kim has been in jail since August when the Seoul court approved a warrant to arrest her, citing the chance she might destroy evidence.

Days before her arrest, Kim apologized for causing public concern but still hinted that she would deny the allegations against her, portraying herself as “someone insignificant.”

The ruling against Kim was made about three weeks before the court delivers its verdict on a rebellion charge against Yoon for imposing martial law briefly in December 2024.

Another independent counsel has demanded the death sentence for Yoon.