In a significant legal development from Seoul, South Korea, former first lady Kim Keon Hee has been handed a 20-month prison sentence for corruption. This decision comes as the nation awaits the verdict concerning Kim’s husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces charges related to the imposition of martial law a year ago.

The Seoul Central District Court found Kim guilty of accepting gifts from the Unification Church in exchange for business favors. This conviction comes despite the independent counsel’s earlier recommendation of a 15-year sentence, which involved charges of bribery, stock price manipulation, and violations of political funding laws.

Interestingly, the court chose to acquit Kim of the more severe accusations of stock price manipulation and political funding law violations due to insufficient evidence. This aspect of the ruling has sparked debates about the thoroughness of the investigation and the complexities of the legal proceedings.

Following the verdict, Kim’s defense team expressed gratitude for the court’s decision but voiced concerns over the length of the bribery sentence, describing it as “relatively high.” They indicated plans to deliberate on the possibility of filing an appeal, leaving room for further legal maneuvers in the ongoing saga involving the former first couple.

Kim’s defense team thanked the court for its verdict but said the 20-month prison term for bribery was “relatively high.” It said it will discuss whether to appeal.

Kim has been in jail since August when the Seoul court approved a warrant to arrest her, citing the chance she might destroy evidence.

Days before her arrest, Kim apologized for causing public concern but still hinted that she would deny the allegations against her, portraying herself as “someone insignificant.”

The ruling against Kim was made about three weeks before the court delivers its verdict on a rebellion charge against Yoon for imposing martial law briefly in December 2024.

Another independent counsel has demanded the death sentence for Yoon.