Key facts
- Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to seven years in prison.
- The conviction was for accepting luxury gifts in exchange for political and business favors.
- She was acquitted of stock manipulation charges in a separate case.
- The court ordered the confiscation of various luxury items received by Kim.
- Kim admitted receiving the gifts but denied they were tied to favors.
Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been sentenced to seven years in prison by a Seoul court for accepting luxury gifts in exchange for political and business favors. The ruling by the Seoul Central District Court also ordered the confiscation of the gifts, which included high-value jewelry, a handbag, and artwork. Kim admitted receiving the items but denied they were tied to any favors. She was acquitted of stock manipulation charges in a separate case.
Judge Jo Soon-pyo stated that Kim neglected her social responsibility as the president's spouse by repeatedly accepting valuables through her influence. The court found Kim guilty of accepting a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and other jewelry worth 138 million won from Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-kwan in exchange for securing a government post for his son-in-law. Lee Bong-kwan received a suspended prison sentence. Kim was also convicted of accepting a luxury watch, a Dior handbag, and other gifts from various individuals seeking government support or appointments. Her lawyers have not yet indicated if they will appeal Friday's verdict.