South Korea Makes History: First Presidential Couple Both Convicted

For the first time in South Korean history, a former presidential couple have both been convicted of crimes. Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to 20 months in prison Wednesday for accepting bribes from the controversial Unification Church, joining her husband who already faces five years behind bars for his failed martial law attempt.

The unprecedented dual conviction marks a watershed moment in Korean politics, raising profound questions about power, privilege, and accountability at the highest levels of government.

The Price of Luxury: Diamonds and Designer Bags

Judge Woo In-sung at Seoul Central District Court didn't mince words: Kim had "misused her position as a means of pursuing personal gain." The court found that between April and July 2022, she accepted $56,000 worth of gifts from the Unification Church in exchange for business and political favors.

The gift list read like a luxury shopping spree: a Graff diamond necklace and multiple Chanel handbags. But prosecutors argued these weren't mere presents—they were calculated bribes designed to buy influence with the future first lady.

The sentence was notably lighter than the 15-year term prosecutors had sought. The judge acknowledged that Kim hadn't actively solicited the bribes and had no significant criminal record. Still, she must return $9,000 in cash and forfeit the diamond necklace.

A Pattern of Controversy

This conviction represents just one chapter in Kim's troubled public life. She faces additional charges related to recruiting Unification Church followers for her husband's People Power Party and accepting gifts in exchange for government job appointments. These cases are still pending.

Beyond criminal charges, Kim has weathered other scandals. Last year, Sookmyung Women's University revoked her master's degree after finding she had plagiarized her thesis—a decision that sparked debates about academic integrity among Korea's elite.

Kim has consistently denied wrongdoing, calling the charges "deeply unjust." While she admitted receiving the Chanel bags, she claimed she returned them unused. Her August public apology—"I am truly sorry that a nobody like me has caused concern to the people"—struck many as either genuine contrition or calculated damage control.

The Bigger Picture: Democracy Under Stress

The dual convictions arrive at a particularly turbulent time for South Korean democracy. Yoon's martial law declaration in December 2024 sent shockwaves through the nation, leading to his impeachment and eventual conviction. Now his wife's bribery conviction adds another layer to what many see as a comprehensive failure of leadership.

The Unification Church connection adds international intrigue to the story. The religious organization, founded by Sun Myung Moon, has long been controversial for its political activities and alleged influence operations. Kim's relationship with the church raises questions about how foreign religious organizations might seek to influence Korean politics.

Conservative supporters view these prosecutions as political persecution, while progressives see them as necessary accountability. This polarization reflects deeper divisions in Korean society about the role of the judiciary, the limits of presidential power, and what constitutes acceptable behavior from political leaders.