The wife of South Korea’s imprisoned former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, Kim Keon Hee, was arrested on multiple charges including stock manipulation and bribery during a court hearing in Seoul on Tuesday. Despite denying all allegations during the four-hour session, the court issued a detention warrant, citing fears she might destroy evidence.
This marks a historic moment for South Korea, as it is the first time both a former president and first lady have been jailed. Yoon Suk Yeol was detained earlier in January following his failed attempt to impose martial law last year, which led to national unrest and his eventual removal from office.
Prosecutors allege Kim earned over 800 million won (approximately $578,000) by participating in a price-rigging scheme involving Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealership in South Korea. Though the scheme reportedly began before Yoon’s presidency, it cast a long shadow over his time in office.
Kim is also accused of accepting expensive bribes, including two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, from the controversial Unification Church in exchange for business favors. Additionally, she faces charges of interfering in candidate nominations during the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and last year’s general elections.
At the hearing, Kim appeared solemn, dressed in black, and expressed regret, saying, “I sincerely apologise for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance.”
During Yoon’s presidency, he vetoed three opposition-backed bills that sought a special counsel investigation into allegations against Kim, with his last veto occurring just a week before declaring martial law.
A special counsel was finally established in June this year after Yoon’s political rival, Lee Jae Myung, became president.
