South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee has been accused of interfering in state affairs in exchange for luxury items and cash, according to a special prosecutor who announced the findings on Monday.
The allegations were detailed by special counsel Min Jung-ki, whose investigation concluded on Sunday after a year-long probe. The inquiry unfolded against the backdrop of political turmoil surrounding former president Yoon Suk Yeol, including controversy over his brief imposition of martial law last year and a series of scandals linked to the influential former presidential couple.
Earlier this month, prosecutors sought a 15-year prison sentence for Kim, who is currently in detention and standing trial on suspicion of accepting bribes in return for exerting influence, as well as other related charges.
Kim has denied all wrongdoing. During a court hearing earlier this month, she apologised to the public for causing concern but rejected the accusations levelled against her.
Speaking at a press conference marking the end of the investigation, the special prosecutor said Kim “used her position as the president’s wife to receive money and valuable items, and was widely involved in various personnel appointments and nominations”.
A first-instance court ruling in Kim’s case is expected on 28 January.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kim’s lawyers said investigations are not concluded by declarations alone but must ultimately be decided by evidence presented in court. They added that the defense would work to ensure full procedural legality and the protection of Kim’s rights, warning against what they described as the exaggeration or distortion of facts for political purposes.
Prosecutors have also charged Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church, who is currently on trial. She is suspected of offering a luxury necklace and Chanel handbags to Kim in exchange for favors, as well as misappropriating church funds to purchase the gifts. Han has denied instructing the church to bribe the former first lady.
Meanwhile, former president Yoon Suk Yeol is facing trial on suspicion of orchestrating an insurrection, a charge that carries a possible sentence of life imprisonment or even the death penalty under South Korean law. Yoon has denied the allegations.
A first-instance verdict in Yoon’s case is expected early next year, as South Korea closely watches one of the most consequential political and legal sagas in its recent history.
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