Kim Keon-hee, wife of South Korea's ousted former President Yoon Suk-yeol, was indicted Friday on charges of violating the Capital Market Act, Political Funds Act and accepting bribes for mediation by special counsel Min Joong-ki's team.

China Daily

Yonhap News Agency

Kim Keon-hee, wife of South Korea's ousted former President Yoon Suk-yeol, was indicted Friday on charges of violating the Capital Market Act, Political Funds Act and accepting bribes for mediation by special counsel Min Joong-ki's team.

This marks the first time in South Korean history that a former first lady has been indicted while in custody, making Kim and her husband the first former presidential couple to face criminal trials simultaneously.

Fox4Kc

The Korea Times

This marks the first time in South Korean history that a former first lady has been indicted while in custody, making Kim and her husband the first former presidential couple to face criminal trials simultaneously.

Kim is accused of participating in a stock manipulation scheme involving Deutsch Motors from 2009 to 2012, receiving free opinion polls during the 2022 presidential election, and accepting luxury gifts, including a diamond necklace worth ₩60 million.

Korea Herald

Kim is accused of participating in a stock manipulation scheme involving Deutsch Motors from 2009 to 2012, receiving free opinion polls during the 2022 presidential election, and accepting luxury gifts, including a diamond necklace worth ₩60 million.

The former first lady allegedly received luxury items from the Unification Church through a shaman in exchange for business favors. She reportedly used her influence to help secure party nominations for the 2022 by-elections.

The former first lady allegedly received luxury items from the Unification Church through a shaman in exchange for business favors. She reportedly used her influence to help secure party nominations for the 2022 by-elections.

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.verity.news/story/2025/south-koreas-former-first-lady-kim-keon-hee-arrested">Kim was arrested on Aug. 12</a> after a court issued a detention warrant and has appeared before investigators five times since then, largely exercising her right to remain silent during questioning sessions.

Kim was arrested on Aug. 12 after a court issued a detention warrant and has appeared before investigators five times since then, largely exercising her right to remain silent during questioning sessions.

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was also indicted on Friday on charges of abetting insurrection and committing perjury related to Yoon's failed attempt at martial law, according to special prosecutors.

South China Morning Post

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was also indicted on Friday on charges of abetting insurrection and committing perjury related to Yoon's failed attempt at martial law, according to special prosecutors.

China Daily #

Yonhap News Agency #

CNA #

Fox4Kc #

The Korea Times #

Korea Herald #

South China Morning Post #

This is a crucial step toward holding accountable the corruption that has tainted South Korea's highest office. Kim's alleged acceptance of luxury gifts and manipulation of political processes undermines democratic institutions. The evidence reveals a pattern of influence peddling that cannot go unpunished.

This is a crucial step toward holding accountable the corruption that has tainted South Korea's highest office. Kim's alleged acceptance of luxury gifts and manipulation of political processes undermines democratic institutions. The evidence reveals a pattern of influence peddling that cannot go unpunished.

NDTV

NDTV #

South Korea's Ex-First Lady Charged With Corruption, Bribery

South Koreas Former Prime Minister And Former First Lady Indicted

KingBaeksu

The charges against Kim appear politically motivated, targeting a former first lady with allegations spanning over a decade. Media speculation has been treated as fact, and the timing suggests prosecutorial overreach rather than a pursuit of genuine justice or a fair legal process.

The charges against Kim appear politically motivated, targeting a former first lady with allegations spanning over a decade. Media speculation has been treated as fact, and the timing suggests prosecutorial overreach rather than a pursuit of genuine justice or a fair legal process.

StratNews Global

StratNews Global #

South Koreas Former First Lady Indicted For Bribery

Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera #

South Korea indicts former first lady for bribery, ex-PM over martial law

KeepRokStrong2

There's a 77% chance that South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will complete his full term, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

There's a 77% chance that South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will complete his full term, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

South Korea's Ex-First Lady Kim Keon-hee Indicted on Bribery

South Korea's Ex-First Lady Kim Keon-hee Indicted on Bribery

The Spin

Metaculus Prediction

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

South Korea's Ex-First Lady Kim Keon-hee Indicted on Bribery

South Korea's Ex-First Lady Kim Keon-hee Indicted on Bribery

The Spin

Metaculus Prediction

Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters