A South Korean court has granted permission for live broadcasts of the upcoming ruling on the corruption and bribery case involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee. The verdict is scheduled to be announced at a hearing on Wednesday at 2:10 p.m., as requested by broadcasters. Special counsel Min Joong-ki’s team has sought a 15-year prison sentence for Kim on various charges, including violations of financial laws and bribery.
The allegations against Kim include collaborating with a BMW dealer and an associate to manipulate stock prices, resulting in illegal profits. She is also accused of receiving free opinion polls in exchange for political favors ahead of the 2022 presidential election. Furthermore, Kim is alleged to have received luxury gifts from a Unification Church official in return for business favors. Kim has been in custody since August 12, while her husband faces separate charges related to martial law imposition.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol, Kim’s husband, was recently sentenced to five years in prison for obstructing investigators during his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. The court criticized Yoon for abusing state institutions for personal gain and ordered a severe punishment to uphold the rule of law. Yoon was found guilty of obstructing his detention, violating the rights of Cabinet members, and disseminating false information during the martial law period.
