On January 28, 2026, a South Korean court acquitted former First Lady Kim Keon Hee of stock manipulation and political funds violations but found her guilty of accepting a bribe. She was sentenced to 1 year and 8 months in prison, marking a dramatic turn in the nation’s political landscape.
In a landmark ruling on January 28, 2026, the South Korean judiciary delivered a mixed verdict in the high-profile case against former First Lady Kim Keon Hee. While the court cleared her of charges related to stock manipulation and violations of the Political Funds Act, it found her guilty of accepting a bribe, a charge that has drawn significant public and political attention.
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The court ruled that evidence was insufficient to prove allegations of stock market manipulation, leading to Kim’s acquittal on that front.
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Similarly, accusations of illegal political fund activities were dismissed, reinforcing the lack of prosecutorial proof.
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However, the bribery conviction was upheld, resulting in a sentence of 1 year and 8 months in prison.
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The verdict underscores the judiciary’s stance on corruption, even at the highest levels of political influence.
The ruling is expected to reverberate across South Korea’s political spectrum, raising questions about accountability and transparency in public office. Analysts suggest the case could influence upcoming debates on ethics reforms and anti-corruption measures.
Kim’s sentencing marks a pivotal moment in South Korea’s ongoing struggle to balance political power with judicial independence.
Sources: Reuters, Yonhap News, The Korea Herald