The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by the Seoul Central District Court, which determined that Kim, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, unlawfully accepted benefits connected to the religious organization.
However, the court acquitted her of other allegations, including claims of stock price manipulation and violations of campaign and political funding laws.
The verdict marks a significant legal development involving the former presidential family and adds to the ongoing fallout surrounding the administration of the now-ousted leader.
Kim was accused of accepting bribes and high-value gifts from business figures, politicians, and the Unification Church, with the total value estimated at no less than $200,000.
Prosecutors also charged Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja, who is currently facing trial, after investigators alleged that the religious group provided Kim with luxury items — including two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace — in an attempt to gain influence through the former first lady.
In December, prosecutors argued that Kim had “placed herself above the law”, accusing her of working in concert with the religious organisation in a manner that violated the constitutional principle separating religion from the state.
Lead prosecutor Min Joong-ki told the court that South Korea’s democratic institutions had been “seriously weakened by repeated abuses of power” linked to Kim’s conduct.
Throughout the trial, the former first lady denied all allegations, insisting that the accusations were “deeply unjust” during her final testimony last month. However, she also issued a public apology, expressing regret for the controversy surrounding her actions.
“Despite being a person of no importance, I have caused trouble,” she said, adding that reflection on her position made it clear she had “made many mistakes” and failed to live up to the responsibilities attached to her role.
Kim’s legal troubles come amid the broader downfall of her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office last year. Yoon has since been sentenced to five years in prison over actions connected to his brief and widely criticised declaration of martial law in December 2024, an episode that plunged the country into political turmoil.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol may still face the death penalty in a separate ongoing case, adding to the legal storm surrounding the former first family.
Public outrage against Yoon’s administration intensified in 2023 after covert footage surfaced showing Kim Keon Hee allegedly receiving a $2,200 luxury handbag, a controversy that later became known as the “Dior bag scandal.” The incident further damaged Yoon’s already low approval ratings and fueled widespread criticism of abuse of influence at the highest level of government.
The fallout from the scandal played a significant role in Yoon’s party suffering a crushing defeat in the April 2024 general elections, failing to regain control of the National Assembly.
Despite mounting pressure, Yoon blocked multiple opposition-led attempts to formally investigate allegations involving his wife. He vetoed three separate bills, including one tied to the Dior bag controversy, with the final veto issued in November 2024.
Just one week later, Yoon made the highly controversial decision to declare martial law, a move that ultimately led to his removal from office and subsequent conviction.
Kim’s prison sentence also comes shortly after former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was handed a 23-year jail term, exceeding prosecutors’ request by eight years, for his role in supporting Yoon’s suspension of civilian governance — underscoring the sweeping legal reckoning facing South Korea’s former leadership.
The verdict marks a significant legal development involving the former presidential family and adds to the ongoing fallout surrounding the administration of the now-ousted leader.
Kim was accused of accepting bribes and high-value gifts from business figures, politicians, and the Unification Church, with the total value estimated at no less than $200,000.
Prosecutors also charged Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja, who is currently facing trial, after investigators alleged that the religious group provided Kim with luxury items — including two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace — in an attempt to gain influence through the former first lady.
In December, prosecutors argued that Kim had “placed herself above the law”, accusing her of working in concert with the religious organisation in a manner that violated the constitutional principle separating religion from the state.
Lead prosecutor Min Joong-ki told the court that South Korea’s democratic institutions had been “seriously weakened by repeated abuses of power” linked to Kim’s conduct.
Throughout the trial, the former first lady denied all allegations, insisting that the accusations were “deeply unjust” during her final testimony last month. However, she also issued a public apology, expressing regret for the controversy surrounding her actions.
“Despite being a person of no importance, I have caused trouble,” she said, adding that reflection on her position made it clear she had “made many mistakes” and failed to live up to the responsibilities attached to her role.
Kim’s legal troubles come amid the broader downfall of her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office last year. Yoon has since been sentenced to five years in prison over actions connected to his brief and widely criticised declaration of martial law in December 2024, an episode that plunged the country into political turmoil.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol may still face the death penalty in a separate ongoing case, adding to the legal storm surrounding the former first family.
Public outrage against Yoon’s administration intensified in 2023 after covert footage surfaced showing Kim Keon Hee allegedly receiving a $2,200 luxury handbag, a controversy that later became known as the “Dior bag scandal.” The incident further damaged Yoon’s already low approval ratings and fueled widespread criticism of abuse of influence at the highest level of government.
The fallout from the scandal played a significant role in Yoon’s party suffering a crushing defeat in the April 2024 general elections, failing to regain control of the National Assembly.
Despite mounting pressure, Yoon blocked multiple opposition-led attempts to formally investigate allegations involving his wife. He vetoed three separate bills, including one tied to the Dior bag controversy, with the final veto issued in November 2024.
Just one week later, Yoon made the highly controversial decision to declare martial law, a move that ultimately led to his removal from office and subsequent conviction.
Kim’s prison sentence also comes shortly after former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was handed a 23-year jail term, exceeding prosecutors’ request by eight years, for his role in supporting Yoon’s suspension of civilian governance — underscoring the sweeping legal reckoning facing South Korea’s former leadership.
