The Seoul Central District Court has sentenced Kim Keon Hee, the former First Lady of South Korea, to seven years in prison after finding her guilty of bribery and abuse of influence. The ruling, delivered on June 26 (local time), concludes that she accepted expensive luxury gifts in exchange for using her influence to secure favors in appointments and business-related matters.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the court determined that Kim Keon Hee received luxury items worth approximately 300 million won (around $195,000 USD) in exchange for leveraging her personal influence in various affairs.

Judge stated that Kim used her position as First Lady to interfere in appointments and business-related decisions. “Kim Keon Hee used her power as First Lady to grant jobs and business favors,” the court said. The ruling also noted that she allegedly assisted individuals in obtaining important government and parliamentary positions.

The court revealed a detailed list of luxury items allegedly received by Kim, including Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, Tiffany brooch, Graff earrings, Gold turtle figurine, Dior handbag, Vacheron Constantin watch (valued at 39 million won / ~$25,000 USD) and a painting worth 140 million won. Prosecutors had originally requested a 7.5-year prison sentence, arguing that she repeatedly used her position for personal gain.

Kim Keon Hee’s legal team argued that she either did not accept the gifts or that they were not directly linked to any political favors. However, the court rejected these claims, stating that evidence showed she repeatedly accepted luxury items while using her influence in return, violating ethical responsibilities tied to her position as First Lady.

Kim Keon Hee is currently in custody, as she has also been convicted in separate cases involving stock manipulation and alleged bribery linked to the Unification Church in South Korea. She was previously sentenced to four years in prison in April, and the latest ruling adds to her ongoing legal troubles.

Sources: VNN