South Korea has opened a criminal trial for Kim Keon Hee, the wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the first time in the country’s history that an ex-first lady has faced prosecution. The proceedings began on Wednesday, September 24, at the Seoul Central District Court, weeks after her arrest on charges ranging from stock manipulation to corruption.
Kim, who was taken into custody in August, appeared in person under guard. She was dressed in a dark suit with her hair tied back and wore a badge identifying her as inmate number 4398. The trial commenced with routine confirmation of her identity. Asked about her occupation, she replied simply: “I am unemployed.” She also provided her date of birth and declined the option of a jury trial.
The high-profile case underscores the gravity of the political scandal engulfing the former first family. With her husband already facing trial after being removed from office in July over his attempt to declare martial law, both a former president and former first lady now stand simultaneously before South Korea’s courts.
Kim has faced public scrutiny for years, particularly over allegations of stock manipulation. Questions around her conduct intensified in 2022 when a left-wing pastor recorded himself presenting her with a Dior handbag, which she appeared to accept, a incident that sparked widespread criticism and reignited suspicions about her financial dealings.
Prosecutors further allege that Kim improperly influenced the nomination process for MPs in her husband’s party, a violation of South Korea’s election laws. Legal analysts suggest the trial could eventually bring both Kim and Yoon into court together to answer accusations of meddling in parliamentary elections.
During his presidency, Yoon repeatedly shielded his wife from investigation, vetoing three special bills passed by the opposition-controlled parliament that sought to mandate probes into the allegations. His last veto came in late November, just a week before he declared martial law, the decision that ultimately triggered his downfall.
The trial of Kim Keon Hee, unfolding against the backdrop of her husband’s impeachment and prosecution, has heightened public debate over corruption and accountability at the highest levels of South Korea’s political system. Observers say the proceedings will be a critical test for the country’s institutions as they grapple with the simultaneous prosecution of both a former president and a former first lady.
