Former South Korean First Lady Faces 15-Year Sentence Demanded by Prosecutors

Prosecutors in South Korea have requested a 15-year prison sentence for former first lady Kim Keon Hee, accusing her of stock fraud and corruption. Kim, married to former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was taken into custody in August and is currently under investigation for a suspected stock manipulation scheme and for receiving gifts from a religious group often described as a cult. She also faces allegations of interfering in parliamentary elections.

Authorities stated that the 53-year-old had "placed herself above the law" and collaborated with the Unification Church in ways that threatened "the constitutionally mandated separation of religion and state." They added that this behavior "undermined the integrity of elections and the representative democratic system that underpins national governance."

The prosecution has asked the court to impose a 15-year jail term and a fine of two billion won (approximately $1.37 million).

During her final testimony, Kim denied the charges, calling them "deeply unjust." She acknowledged, however, that she may have made mistakes in her official duties. "Although some accusations are open to dispute, I sincerely apologize for the significant inconvenience caused to the public," she stated.

Kims hearing coincided with the one-year anniversary of her husband Yoon's brief declaration of martial law, an attempt to suspend civilian rule that triggered political unrest in the country. Earlier this year, Yoon was also arrested on insurrection charges, which he contests. This situation marked the first time in South Korean history that both a former president and first lady were detained simultaneously.

The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on January 28.

Author: Benjamin Carter