Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty on all counts in a bribery case [1].
The ruling marks a significant legal escalation for the former first lady, as the court found her responsible for facilitating the exchange of money and influence for favors. This conviction targets the intersection of political power and private gain in the South Korean administration.
The Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 21, issued the sentence on June 26, 2024 [2]. The court convicted Kim under the Specific Crime Aggravated Punishment Act for bribery—specifically the act of 'al-seon-su-jae'—which involves receiving money to influence official government actions [2].
Kim's legal team, consisting of lawyers Chae Myeong-seong and Choi Ji-woo, responded to the verdict outside the courtroom. Chae said they intend to appeal the decision to clarify any wrongful findings within the judicial process.
"We will appeal and ensure that any innocent parts are clearly revealed within the trial process," Chae said [3].
Despite the severity of the seven-year term [1], Chae noted the inevitability of the legal process. He said, "No matter how regrettable, in the end, isn't it a matter of justice prevailing?" [3].
When questioned about further communications or reactions from Kim herself, lawyer Choi Ji-woo said the defense team had not yet heard from her [3].
“Kim Keon-hee was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty on all counts.”
The conviction of a former First Lady on all counts of bribery indicates a rigorous judicial approach to 'maegwan-magic'—the selling of government positions and influence. By applying the Specific Crime Aggravated Punishment Act, the court has signaled that the misuse of proximity to power for financial gain will be met with severe custodial sentences, regardless of the defendant's former status.
