South Korea appeals court hikes sentences for Kim Keon-hee and ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol

An appeals court in Seoul raised Kim Keon-hee's prison sentence to four years on corruption charges that include stock-price manipulation and bribery. The ruling follows an earlier verdict that had sentenced her to about 20 months, and it imposes a 50 million won fine.

Separately, the appeals court increased former President Yoon Suk Yeol's sentence from five years to seven years in prison for obstruction of justice related to his failed bid to impose martial law in December 2024.

The rulings highlight ongoing criminal proceedings involving the former president and his wife in South Korea.