Will South Korea's Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee Face Bribery Charges Over Luxury Necklace?
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Synopsis
In a significant turn of events, South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, is now at the center of a bribery investigation involving a luxury necklace. With allegations surfacing about her accepting gifts in exchange for political favors, the implications could be severe. What does this mean for her and the former president?
Key Takeaways
- Special prosecutors are deliberating potential bribery charges against Kim Keon Hee.
- The investigation centers around a luxury necklace allegedly accepted in return for political favors.
- Legal implications could be severe for both Kim and former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
- Kim has denied the authenticity of the necklace.
- She is currently under custody for multiple charges, including stock manipulation.
Seoul, Aug 17 (NationPress) Special prosecutors are currently weighing potential bribery charges against South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee, following their acquisition of a luxury necklace she reportedly received in exchange for a personnel appointment favor, according to legal sources.
Recently, the team led by special counsel Min Joong-ki revealed that officials from Seohee Construction handed over the Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, admitting to gifting it to Kim shortly after her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, took office in March 2022, as they sought to secure a government position for the company chairman's son-in-law.
The son-in-law, a former prosecutor, was appointed as the chief of staff for then Prime Minister Han Duck-soo just three months later, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Kim has allegedly denied the claims, asserting that the necklace she wore during a trip to Europe in 2022 was not genuine.
Given the evidence at hand, special prosecutors might pursue bribery through mediation charges against Kim, especially since she did not occupy any public office or possess the authority to make personnel decisions.
According to the law, bribery charges typically apply to individuals in public office who offer benefits in return for bribes, while bribery through mediation involves a third-party facilitator.
To successfully impose bribery charges, special prosecutors would need to demonstrate that Yoon himself accepted the necklace, implicating Kim as an accomplice.
A conviction for bribery could result in a sentence of ten years or more if the bribe exceeds 100 million won (approximately US$72,000), while bribery through mediation carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
If Yoon was unaware of the transaction and only learned of it post-factum, it would complicate the application of bribery charges, even if he was involved in the personnel appointment.
Min's team has yet to interrogate Yoon, who has declined to cooperate with the investigation, despite a court granting a detention warrant for his mandatory appearance.
Kim is currently in custody following a court-issued warrant last week for her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, interference in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and the 2024 general elections, and for receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church via a shaman in return for business favors.
She attended a questioning session on Thursday but exercised her right to remain silent regarding most charges against her.
Point of View
It is crucial to follow the developments surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee with diligence. This case raises significant questions about political integrity and accountability in South Korea. We aim to provide our audience with accurate information while maintaining an unbiased perspective on the unfolding events.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Kim Keon Hee?
Kim Keon Hee could face bribery charges related to a luxury necklace she allegedly accepted in exchange for personnel appointment favors.
Who is leading the investigation?
The investigation is being led by special counsel Min Joong-ki.
What are the potential consequences of a bribery conviction?
A bribery conviction could lead to a prison term of ten years or more if the bribe exceeds 100 million won.
Is Kim Keon Hee cooperating with the investigation?
Kim has appeared for questioning but has largely chosen to remain silent on the charges against her.
What is bribery through mediation?
Bribery through mediation involves a third party facilitating a transaction, unlike direct bribery which typically involves public officials.
