Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee Indicted In Expanding Bribery And Martial Law Probe

 

Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was indicted Friday on bribery and other charges, prosecutors announced, as investigations deepen into the couple’s role in South Korea’s recent political turmoil.

Both Kim and Yoon are currently in jail. Yoon is already on trial for charges including insurrection after his removal from office in April, following a failed attempt to impose martial law in December.

Indictment and Apology

The special prosecution team said Kim faces multiple counts, ranging from stock fraud to bribery involving business figures, religious leaders, and a powerful political broker. If convicted, she could face years in prison.

In a statement released through her lawyers, Kim offered an apology without directly addressing the charges:

“Just as moonlight shines brightly in the darkest night, I too will endure this time, looking to my truth and heart,” she said, adding she would make “no excuses” as she prepares for trial.

Her attorneys have denied the allegations, calling reports about alleged gifts “groundless speculation.”

Kim, a wealthy businesswoman, was long seen as an influential force behind her husband’s rise to the presidency. But scandals linked to her, some stretching back more than 15 years, cast a shadow over Yoon’s turbulent tenure and damaged the standing of his conservative party.

Martial Law Fallout

The indictments are part of a broader investigation into Yoon’s shock decision to declare martial law last December, a move that ultimately led to his impeachment and removal.

On Friday, prosecutors also indicted former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on charges of abetting insurrection and perjury. Han, a veteran technocrat who had served under five presidents, briefly became acting head of state after Yoon’s ouster.

“The defendant was the highest constitutional institution that could have stopped the president’s unconstitutional, illegitimate martial law,” prosecution spokesperson Park Ji-young said.

Han denied aiding Yoon but admitted partial responsibility for failing to prevent the decision. Though the Constitutional Court later overturned his impeachment, restoring his powers, he resigned soon after to run in June’s election. His campaign collapsed amid conservative divisions.

A Stunning Fall

The simultaneous downfall of Yoon and Kim marks one of the most dramatic reversals in South Korea’s political history. Once a powerful couple at the center of the presidency, both now face the possibility of long prison sentences, as special prosecutors continue to pursue overlapping cases of corruption, abuse of power, and constitutional violations.