How South Korea’s ex-first lady became the country’s most controversial figure
South Korea’s former First Lady, Kim Kun-hee, is facing intense public scrutiny as prosecutors seek a 15-year prison sentence over a series of high-profile allegations.
Kim, who is married to former president Yoon Suk-yeol, has been charged with stock manipulation, illegal political donations, and receiving luxury gifts linked to the Unification Church. Prosecutors say she helped manipulate Deutsche Motors’ stock more than a decade ago, received more than ₩274 million (US$206,000) worth of polling data during the 2022 election campaign, and accepted Chanel bags and jewellery after Yoon’s victory.
The special prosecutor’s office argues she has “placed herself above the law” and undermined public trust in the justice system. Kim’s legal team denies all wrongdoing, insisting she acted as an ordinary investor in the stock case and that the gifts were ceremonial congratulatory items and not bribery.
Kim said in her final court statement that she had been “wronged in many ways” but apologised for causing public concern.
The trial is only one part of a wide investigation involving allegations of political interference, bribery and influence-peddling. She is also awaiting trial on accusations linked to the alleged unlawful recruitment of Unification Church members into the ruling party and other ongoing probes.
A final verdict is expected in January 2026.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
