Seoul Court Sentences Kim Keon-hee to 1 Year, 8 Months

A Seoul court on Wednesday sentenced former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee to one year and eight months in prison after convicting her of accepting bribes from officials linked to the Unification Church in exchange for political favors. The ruling acquitted her of charges related to stock manipulation and violations of political funding laws, marking a partial victory for her defense in a case that has captivated the nation.

The conviction centered on allegations that Kim, 53, received luxury items including two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace valued at around 80 million won from church representatives in 2022. Prosecutors argued these gifts were provided in return for assistance in securing government positions and other benefits for church affiliates. Kim had denied the charges, maintaining that the items were given without any expectation of favors. Her legal team indicated it would review the decision and consider an appeal. The Unification Church, whose leader Han Hak-ja is also on trial for related matters, stated the gifts were delivered as gestures of goodwill, not bribes.

Prosecutors had sought a harsher penalty of 15 years in prison and fines totaling 2.9...