What Led to Kim Keon Hee's Increased Sentence? A Deep Dive into South Korea's Political Turmoil

In a significant legal development, Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, has had her prison sentence increased to four years for corruption. This decision follows her initial 20-month sentence for accepting luxury gifts in exchange for political favors. The couple's political downfall began with Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law, leading to his impeachment. As both Kim and the independent counsel prepare to appeal, the implications of this case continue to unfold against the backdrop of South Korea's turbulent political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 28, 2026, 16:00 IST

Kim Keon Hee's Sentence Increased Amid Political Chaos

Seoul: An appeals court has increased the prison sentence for Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol, to four years due to corruption charges. This decision comes just two months after Yoon received a life sentence for his role in a rebellion.

Initially, Kim was sentenced to 20 months in prison by a district court for accepting luxury gifts, such as a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel handbag, from the Unification Church in exchange for political favors. However, she was cleared of charges related to stock price manipulation prior to her tenure as first lady.

Following appeals from both sides, the Seoul High Court has now convicted her of receiving an additional Chanel bag from the church and has reinstated the price manipulation charge, resulting in the increased sentence.

The couple's downfall began after Yoon declared martial law in December 2024, which led to his impeachment and removal from office. He is currently facing multiple criminal trials linked to this controversial decision and other scandals, although investigators have stated that Kim was not involved in the enforcement of martial law.

The Seoul High Court emphasized that as first lady, Kim held a significant role alongside her husband and was expected to uphold public integrity. The court criticized her for misusing her position to obtain gifts from the Unification Church.

Both Kim and the independent counsel have a week to appeal to the Supreme Court. The independent counsel, Min Joong-ki, had previously sought a 15-year sentence, while Kim's defense team claims that the investigation was politically motivated.

Kim has been incarcerated since August when a district court approved her arrest due to concerns she might destroy evidence. During Yoon's presidency, Kim was involved in various scandals that negatively impacted his approval ratings and provided ammunition for political adversaries.

On December 3, 2024, Yoon, a conservative leader, unexpectedly declared martial law, deploying military and police forces to the National Assembly to combat what he termed anti-state elements and North Korean sympathizers. He defended his actions as a necessary measure to garner public support against the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which he accused of obstructing his agenda.

In February, the Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of rebellion for his illegal mobilization of military and police forces in an attempt to seize control of the Assembly, arrest political opponents, and establish unchecked power indefinitely.