South Korea is witnessing an unprecedented political scandal as Kim Keon Hee, wife of jailed former president Yoon Suk Yeol, has been arrested on multiple charges, including stock manipulation, bribery, and political interference. This marks the first time in the country’s history that both a former president and first lady are behind bars.
Kim, 52, was taken into custody after a four-hour court hearing in Seoul. Despite denying all accusations, the court approved her detention, citing concerns she might destroy evidence.
Prosecutors allege that Kim earned more than 800 million won (about $578,000) through a stock price-rigging scheme involving Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealer in South Korea. The alleged activities began before Yoon became president but remained a source of controversy during his term.
Kim is also accused of accepting luxury gifts, including two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace, from the Unification Church in return for business favors. Additional charges claim she influenced candidate nominations during the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and the 2023 general elections.
Appearing at the hearing dressed in a black suit and skirt, Kim told reporters, “I sincerely apologise for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance.”
Her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been jailed since January, facing trial over an attempted martial law declaration last year that led to political turmoil and his removal from office. While president, Yoon blocked three opposition bills aimed at launching a special counsel investigation into his wife’s alleged misconduct. The final veto came just a week before he declared martial law.
A special counsel was finally established in June this year after Yoon’s political rival, Lee Jae Myung, became president.
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