South Korean prosecutors pursue legal actions against First Lady Kim and former officials

South Korean special prosecutors and courts are advancing several high-profile legal cases involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee and prominent political figures.

The Min Joong-gi Special Prosecutor Team has appealed a second-instance ruling regarding First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who was sentenced to five years in prison for ‘selling offices’ (bribery). While the appellate court reduced her initial seven-year sentence and acquitted her of certain charges involving luxury watches and art reproductions, the prosecution is appealing to the Supreme Court, arguing that the acquittal of certain bribery charges is inconsistent with public sentiment.

In a separate corruption case, the special prosecution team has requested a 25-year prison sentence for former Justice Minister Park Seong-jae during his appeal. Park is accused of participating in an insurrection related to the December 3 martial law declaration and attempting to justify the illegal actions. A first-instance court previously sentenced him to 25 years and ordered his detention.

Additionally, the special prosecution team has requested a one-year prison sentence for lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon for violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. Kim is accused of providing a luxury Roger Vivier clutch bag to First Lady Kim Keon-hee in exchange for support during the People Power Party leadership election. Kim’s spouse has also been sentenced to six months in a related prosecution request.