SEOUL (WNN): In an unprecedented move, South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee was ordered into immediate detention late Tuesday after the Seoul Central District Court approved a warrant for her arrest on corruption charges she denies, Yonhap News reported.
Kim becomes the first former South Korean first lady ever to be incarcerated, joining her husband, ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is already in jail awaiting trial over his failed attempt to impose martial law in December a move that led to his ouster in April.
Arriving at court in a black suit earlier in the day, Kim bowed silently to reporters before attending the hearing. She later awaited the ruling at a Seoul detention centre, following legal protocol.
Prosecutors allege Kim engaged in stock fraud, bribery, and influence peddling, implicating business figures, religious leaders, and a political power broker.
Central to the case is her wearing of a Van Cleef pendant worth more than ₩60 million ($43,000) at the 2022 NATO summit an item not declared in the couple’s mandatory financial disclosures. She also allegedly accepted Chanel bags worth ₩20 million and a diamond necklace from a religious group in exchange for favourable influence over its business dealings.
Special prosecutor spokesperson Oh Jeong-hee said Kim claimed the pendant was a fake bought two decades ago in Hong Kong, but investigators insist it was a genuine gift from a domestic construction firm. The arrest was sought due to fears she could destroy evidence or interfere with the probe.
Kim’s legal team has previously dismissed the allegations as baseless, criticising media speculation about the alleged gifts.
Her husband, Yoon, faces charges including insurrection punishable by life imprisonment or even death and abuse of power. He denies all wrongdoing and has refused to participate in court proceedings.
-WNN Desk
