South Korea's former First Lady, Kim Keon Hee, was arrested in August 2025 on serious charges including stock manipulation, election interference, and bribery. This arrest marks the first time in South Korean history that both a former president and their spouse have been jailed simultaneously, as her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is also imprisoned.
Key details about Kim Keon Hee's case:
The arrest warrant was approved by the Seoul Central District Court based on concerns she might tamper with evidence.
She faces 16 criminal allegations, including manipulating the stock price of Deutsch Motors (a BMW dealership) between 2009 and 2012.
She is accused of interfering in candidate selections for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and the 2024 general elections.
Kim allegedly accepted luxury gifts such as Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace from the Unification Church via a shaman in exchange for business favors.
Investigations also cover alleged rerouting of a motorway endpoint to benefit her family's land and favoritism in local apartment development.
Prosecutors argue her involvement in violations of the Capital Markets Act, the Political Funds Act, and anti-bribery laws.
Kim has denied all charges but apologized publicly for causing concern, calling herself "a nobody."
She was initially slated for detention at the same facility as her husband but was transferred to a different detention center for separation.
Her arrest is part of a broad investigation led by special counsel Min Joong-ki.
The legal proceedings follow her husband's impeachment and arrest for a failed martial law declaration that plunged South Korea into political turmoil.
This case is highly significant politically and legally, highlighting deep-rooted corruption issues involving the former presidential couple and their influence in South Korean politics and business.
