Kim Keon-hee Appeals 7-Year Prison Sentence in Bribery Case

Kim Keon-hee, the wife of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, was sentenced by the Seoul Central District Court to 7 years in prison for taking bribes and facilitating influence peddling under the Special Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. The court found she received more than 138 million won in luxury jewelry and watches from construction firm head Lee Bong‑gwan, a robot‑dog entrepreneur, a pastor and other officials in exchange for personal favors. Kim has filed an appeal, arguing that the first‑instance court misinterpreted the facts and imposed an excessive penalty.

While serving her sentence at Seoul Southern Prison, Kim sent a handwritten note to supporters, writing, “I am grateful for the love you give to someone with many sins.” The appeal will be heard by the Seoul High Court, which may be reassigned to a different panel due to its involvement in other high‑profile cases.