Kim Keon Hee's Prison Sentence Doubled in South Korea

In a significant legal decision, Seoul’s appeals court has doubled the prison sentence of former first lady Kim Keon Hee to four years. This comes after she was found guilty of stock manipulation and bribery, overturning her previous acquittal.

The judges determined that her actions in manipulating shares of a domestic automobile company represented a severe breach of financial regulations. A fine of ₩50 million was also imposed as part of the decision, emphasizing the gravity of her offenses.

Previously, Kim had received a 20-month prison term for accepting extravagant gifts categorized as bribes. Following the initial ruling, she appealed to clear her name, while prosecutors contended that the sentence was insufficient.

Judges noted her lack of acknowledgment regarding her wrongdoings and her tendency to make excuses, which they highlighted as reasons for the increased sentence.

Given her status as the spouse of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, the case has attracted significant public interest and is perceived as a strong stance against corruption in high offices.

Legal experts interpret this ruling as a firm approach toward financial misconduct and accountability. The case has ignited discussions on political ethics and the independence of the judiciary in South Korea.

Oct. 8, 2026 4:26 p.m.

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Kim Keon Hee's Prison Sentence Doubled in South Korea

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