Kim Keon-hee sentence reduced to 5 years in appellate bribery ruling

Kim Keon-hee bribery trial Seoul High Court South Korean politics appellate court

The Seoul High Court has reduced the prison sentence of Kim Keon-hee, the spouse of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, from seven years to five years in an appellate bribery ruling. The court upheld several convictions related to the receipt of luxury goods in exchange for influence over public appointments and business matters.

While the sentence was reduced, the court maintained convictions for receiving jewelry worth approximately 103.8 million won from Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-kwan, a Dior bag from a pastor, a gold turtle ornament from former National Education Commission Chair Lee Bae-yong, and a painting by Lee Ufan from a former prosecutor.

The reduction in sentencing follows the court's decision to acquit Kim of two specific charges: receiving a 39.9 million won Vacheron Constantin watch from a businessman and receiving a 500,000 won replica of a Sehando painting. The court found insufficient evidence that these specific items were provided as direct bribes for influence.

Kim's legal team has expressed that while the partial acquittal is meaningful, they intend to appeal the remaining guilty verdicts to the Supreme Court. The special counsel's team is also reviewing the decision for a potential appeal.

Entities

Kim Keon-hee · Lee Bong-kwan · Lee Ufan · Lim Seong-geun · Min Joong-ki · Seoul High Court · South Korea · Yoon Suk Yeol

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Kim Keon-hee maintains her innocence, stating she cannot admit to actions she did not commit. www.jnilbo.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Former Marine Division Commander Lim Seong-geun is also awaiting an appellate verdict regarding perjury allegations. www.jnilbo.com
[● 8 SOURCES] The Seoul High Court's 15-3 Criminal Division held the appellate sentencing hearing for Kim Keon-hee. www.jnilbo.com · www.womennews.co.kr · www.hidomin.com · www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com · +1 more
[● 8 SOURCES] Kim Keon-hee is accused of receiving a 140 million won painting by Lee Ufan from former prosecutor Kim Sang-min. www.jnilbo.com · www.womennews.co.kr · www.hidomin.com · www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Kim Keon-hee was sentenced to seven years in prison in the first trial. www.jnilbo.com · www.womennews.co.kr
[● 3 SOURCES] Kim Keon-hee is accused of receiving a 39.9 million won Vacheron Constantin watch from an entrepreneur named Seo. www.jnilbo.com · www.womennews.co.kr
[● 8 SOURCES] Kim Keon-hee is accused of receiving a Dior bag worth 5.4 million won from Pastor Choi Jae-young. www.jnilbo.com · www.womennews.co.kr · www.hidomin.com · www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com · +1 more
[● 8 SOURCES] Kim Keon-hee is accused of receiving 103.8 million won worth of jewelry from Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-kwan. www.jnilbo.com · www.womennews.co.kr · www.hidomin.com · www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The court ordered the confiscation of an Lee Ufan painting and a fine of 24.4 million won. www.hidomin.com · www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com · www.koreaherald.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The appellate court reduced Kim Keon-hee's prison sentence from seven years to five years. www.hidomin.com · www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com · www.koreaherald.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The court acquitted Kim of receiving a 500,000 won replica of a Sehando painting. www.hidomin.com · www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com · www.koreaherald.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The court acquitted Kim of receiving a 39.9 million won Vacheron Constantin watch. www.hidomin.com · www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com · www.koreaherald.com