Post by : Raman

Seoul, South Korea – Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, appeared in court today as her corruption trial officially began. This marks her first public appearance since her arrest in August. Kim faces charges including bribery, stock manipulation, and violations of political fundraising laws.

Arriving at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul, Kim wore a black suit and requested a trial by judge rather than a jury. She did not comment on the charges during her brief statement. Prosecutors allege that she manipulated stocks, asked a power broker to conduct free opinion polling, and accepted bribes from South Korea’s Unification Church.

Kim’s lawyers denied all allegations, stating that prosecutors have yet to provide detailed evidence. If convicted, she could face fines or up to five years in prison.

The trial comes amid ongoing scandals surrounding Kim, including a widely reported incident involving a Dior bag she was filmed accepting from a church pastor. This controversy overshadowed her husband’s presidency until his shock martial law declaration in December led to his removal from office.

Yoon Suk Yeol is currently on trial separately for insurrection and has been in custody since July. Meanwhile, Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church, was jailed yesterday for allegedly directing the church to provide bribes to Kim. Prosecutors claim the church gave her luxury gifts including two Chanel bags, a Graff necklace, and a Korean ginseng set worth approximately 80 million won (RM240,619). Kim’s lawyer denied that she received any of these gifts.

The Unification Church, founded in the 1950s by self-declared messiah Moon, has been criticized over fundraising practices and political involvement, including recent scandals in Japan following former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination. Han Hak-ja has denied the allegations, calling them false.

The trial is expected to attract significant attention both in South Korea and internationally, as it involves high-profile political and religious figures and highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and influence in the country.

Kim Keon Hee, South Korea, corruption trial, Yoon Suk Yeol, bribery, stock manipulation, Unification Church, Seoul court