Seoul, Nov 12 (NationPress) Attorneys representing former first lady Kim Keon Hee urged a court on Wednesday to approve her immediate release on bail, emphasizing her declining health while incarcerated during the bail hearing.

This hearing took place at the Seoul Central District Court, following Kim's bail application submitted on November 3, which highlighted her worsening symptoms of anxiety and dizziness.

Kim has been in custody since August, facing trial on accusations related to stock price manipulation, interference in election candidate nominations, and accepting bribes from the Unification Church in return for favors.

According to her legal team, she has experienced multiple incidents of losing consciousness, and her health has significantly deteriorated, making it difficult to receive adequate medical care in prison, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

Her lawyers indicated that she would comply with all bail conditions, including restrictions to her home and hospital, prohibiting cell phone usage, and the requirement of wearing an electronic monitoring device.

Moreover, they contended that it is excessively punitive for both Kim and her spouse, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, to be in custody simultaneously, as Yoon is also undergoing trial related to his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law in December.

Conversely, prosecutors from the special counsel opposed her release, expressing concerns about potential evidence tampering, particularly through possible collusion with her associates.

During the hearing, Kim remained silent, bowing her head as she listened.

On November 5, Kim Keon Hee acknowledged receiving two Chanel bags from a shaman but denied that they were given in exchange for favors involving the Unification Church.

In a statement from her legal representatives, Kim made this admission public for the first time while also refuting claims of having received a high-end Graff necklace from the church.

"First lady Kim Keon Hee confirms that she accepted bags as gifts from Jeon Seong-bae on two occasions," the statement detailed. "However, she clarifies that there was no collusion with the Unification Church nor any request or exchange involved. She also categorically denies receiving a Graff necklace."

The bags and jewelry are central to the allegations that the former first lady accepted bribes for facilitating business advantages for the church following Yoon's election in March 2022.

The special counsel investigating these allegations reported that Jeon delivered the items to Kim at the behest of a former church official surnamed Yoon between April and July of that year.

The bags are valued at 8 million won (USD 5,500) and 12 million won each, while the necklace is estimated at 62 million won.

Kim stated that she initially rejected the bags but later accepted them after being persuaded by Jeon.