https://sg.news.yahoo.com/live/budg...ip-changes-singapore-live-news-021400403.html
Today at 12:20 pm SGT
Joel Balbin
Kim Keon-hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting luxury gifts from the Unification Church. (Photo: JUNG YEON-JE/Pool via REUTERS)
(via REUTERS / Reuters)More
South Korea’s former first lady, Kim Keon-hee, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes in the form of luxury gifts, according to reports. The Seoul Central District Court ruled she received items including a Chanel bag and a Graff diamond necklace from the Unification Church in exchange for political influence.
Prosecutors had sought significantly harsher punishment, asking for up to 15 years, but the court focused only on bribery convictions, AP noted. Kim was acquitted of stock manipulation and political funding violations, as evidence was insufficient or the statute of limitations applied, CNN reported.
Judges noted that she exploited her position as the president’s spouse, underlining the high ethical standards expected of public figures, BBC said.
The ruling is part of wider anti-corruption efforts in South Korea, reflecting increased scrutiny of political elites and their close associates, according to France 24.
Kim’s sentencing comes as her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, faces multiple trials including charges for defying court orders during a martial law declaration.
Legal experts note that the verdict sends a strong message about accountability while leaving room for appeals from both prosecutors and Kim’s defence team, AFP said.
Read on luxury bribes and influence lead to jail for South Korea's former first lady here.
Today at 12:20 pm SGT
Joel Balbin
Luxury gifts land South Korea’s exfirst lady Kim Keon-hee in prison
Kim Keon-hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting luxury gifts from the Unification Church. (Photo: JUNG YEON-JE/Pool via REUTERS)
(via REUTERS / Reuters)More
South Korea’s former first lady, Kim Keon-hee, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes in the form of luxury gifts, according to reports. The Seoul Central District Court ruled she received items including a Chanel bag and a Graff diamond necklace from the Unification Church in exchange for political influence.
Prosecutors had sought significantly harsher punishment, asking for up to 15 years, but the court focused only on bribery convictions, AP noted. Kim was acquitted of stock manipulation and political funding violations, as evidence was insufficient or the statute of limitations applied, CNN reported.
Judges noted that she exploited her position as the president’s spouse, underlining the high ethical standards expected of public figures, BBC said.
The ruling is part of wider anti-corruption efforts in South Korea, reflecting increased scrutiny of political elites and their close associates, according to France 24.
Kim’s sentencing comes as her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, faces multiple trials including charges for defying court orders during a martial law declaration.
Legal experts note that the verdict sends a strong message about accountability while leaving room for appeals from both prosecutors and Kim’s defence team, AFP said.
Read on luxury bribes and influence lead to jail for South Korea's former first lady here.
