A court in South Korea has issued an arrest warrant for former First Lady Kim Keon-hee, following allegations of corruption that she firmly denies. The Seoul Central District Court’s decision marks a significant moment in the nation’s political landscape, as Kim would be the first former first lady in South Korea to be incarcerated. Her husband, former President Yoon Suk-yeol, is currently facing trial on charges related to his ousting in April due to a controversial attempt to impose martial law.
Kim appeared at the court on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, bowing to onlookers but refraining from answering questions or making statements to the press. After the hearing concluded, she was taken to a detention center in Seoul, as is customary. According to the Yonhap news agency, the warrant will lead to her immediate incarceration.
The accusations against Kim are serious and varied, encompassing stock fraud, bribery, and illegal influence peddling. These charges have implications for various business owners, religious figures, and political actors in the country. Notably, she is accused of failing to declare a luxury Van Cleef pendant worth more than 60 million won (approximately $A66,200) that she wore during a NATO summit in Spain in 2022. This item was not included in the couple’s mandatory financial disclosures.
Further complicating her case, Kim faces allegations of receiving two Chanel bags valued at 20 million won and a diamond necklace from a religious organization as part of a bribe. Prosecutors assert these gifts were intended to secure favorable treatment for the group’s business interests.
The prosecution has expressed concern over the potential for Kim to destroy evidence or impede the investigation. Oh Jeong-hee, a spokesperson for the special prosecutor’s team, indicated during a press briefing following the hearing that Kim had claimed the pendant was a fake purchased two decades ago in Hong Kong. However, prosecutors maintain it was a genuine gift from a domestic construction firm intended for her appearance at the NATO summit.
As the situation develops, Kim’s legal team has yet to provide a detailed response to the latest allegations, although they have previously characterized the claims as unfounded speculation. Meanwhile, her husband, Yoon, is currently on trial facing serious charges, including insurrection, which could lead to severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. He has denied all allegations and has not participated in trial proceedings.
The unfolding events surrounding Kim Keon-hee and her husband reflect ongoing tensions within South Korean politics, raising questions about the ramifications for the country’s governance and public trust in political figures.
