The former first lady of South Korea, Kim Keon Hee, has made history by becoming the first person in the country to be arrested. She is the wife of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been impeached. Kim is charged with stock fraud, bribery, and influence peddling, crimes that could result in years of imprisonment.
Despite the charges, Kim has denied the accusations. She was questioned for several hours last week and prosecutors requested her arrest warrant shortly thereafter. Kim apologized for causing trouble at her arrival at the prosecutor’s office, stating that she was a nobody.
Among the allegations against Kim is an incident from 2022 when she wore a luxury Van Cleef pendant worth $43,000 at a NATO summit with her husband. The item was not listed on their financial disclosure as required by law. However, Kim claimed that the pendant was a fake she bought 20 years ago in Hong Kong. The prosecution found it to be genuine.
Kim is also accused of receiving two Chanel bags valued at 14,500 US dollars and a diamond necklace as a bribe from a religious group in exchange for influence regarding the group’s business interests.
The prosecution ordered Kim’s arrest, citing concerns that she would destroy evidence and interfere with the investigation.
Kim’s husband, Yoon, is also facing trial following his failed attempt to impose martial law in South Korea. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to life in prison or even a death sentence.
(Zac Crellin edited this content)
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/south-korea-arrests-wife-of-impeached-former-president-yoon/a-73617908?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
