S. Korea’s Ex-First Lady Appeals Prison Sentence in Corruption Case

(MENAFN) South Korea’s former first lady has formally appealed to the country’s highest court after being sentenced in a corruption-related case, according to reports.

As stated by reports, a special counsel team confirmed that it has challenged a ruling by the appeals court that imposed a four-year prison sentence on Kim Keon Hee. The case involves allegations linked to financial misconduct and improper acceptance of luxury items.

According to general accounts, the Seoul High Court recently increased her sentence from an earlier term of 20 months after finding her partially guilty in a stock price manipulation scheme and guilty of receiving valuable gifts from the Unification Church.

The court also imposed a financial penalty of 50 million won and ordered the confiscation of a necklace as well as the forfeiture of additional funds.

Reports indicate that the appeals court had previously overturned parts of a lower court ruling that cleared her of involvement in the stock manipulation scheme, instead finding her partially responsible and confirming the charges related to gift acceptance.

Kim is the wife of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office last year following a controversial martial law declaration and subsequent legal proceedings.

As stated by reports, multiple cases remain ongoing against the former president, who is currently serving a life sentence in connection with those events.

MENAFN04052026000045017281ID1111065964