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SouthKorea – South Korea’s former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, has formally appealed a prison sentence imposed by a Seoul court, contesting a ruling that found her guilty of accepting luxury gifts linked to a religious organization. The appeal was filed on Monday, days after the verdict sparked intense public and political scrutiny due to its historic implications.

The Seoul Central District Court last week sentenced Kim to 20 months in prison, concluding that she unlawfully received high-value items from representatives of the Unification Church in exchange for favorable treatment. The decision also ordered her to forfeit 12.8 million won, equivalent to approximately 8,770 US dollars, according to court records cited by Yonhap News Agency.

Historic Verdict for a Former Presidential Couple

The ruling marked a first in South Korean history, as Kim and her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, became the country’s first ex-presidential couple to receive prison sentences tied to criminal convictions. The court determined that the actions took place in 2022, during Yoon’s presidency, raising concerns about ethics and influence at the highest levels of government.

Prosecutors argued that Kim accepted a Chanel handbag and a Graff diamond necklace while also engaging in conduct that benefited the church’s business interests. The court agreed with this assessment, stating that the exchange constituted an improper relationship with clear transactional elements.

Defense Disputes Findings on Luxury Items

Kim’s legal team has strongly challenged the ruling, disputing both the factual basis and the court’s interpretation of the evidence. Her lawyers maintain that she never received the diamond necklace, reportedly valued at 62.2 million won, and argue that the handbag should not be considered a bribe linked to business favors.

In a written statement, the defense said the appeal seeks to correct factual errors and reassess whether the items in question were ever delivered to Kim. The lawyers also rejected the court’s conclusion that the gift exchange had a transactional nature, insisting there was no quid pro quo arrangement.

Acquittals on Additional Charges

While the court convicted Kim on the gift-related charge, it cleared her of two other major allegations. Judges ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove her involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme related to Deutsch Motors, a South Korean BMW dealership, between 2010 and 2012. Prosecutors had alleged that Kim earned illegal profits totaling 810 million won during that period.

The court also acquitted her of violating the Political Funds Act. This charge stemmed from claims that Kim and her husband received free opinion polling services from a self-described political broker ahead of the 2022 presidential election. Judges concluded that the polls were not provided exclusively to the couple, weakening the basis for a conviction.

Prosecution Seeks Harsher Sentence

Special prosecutors, led by Min Joong-ki, have also appealed the ruling, arguing that the court significantly misinterpreted key facts. Their office had initially sought a 15-year prison sentence, far exceeding the term ultimately imposed. The prosecution maintains that the seriousness of the alleged misconduct warranted a much stronger penalty.

Separate Legal Troubles for Former President

The appeal comes as former President Yoon Suk Yeol faces his own legal challenges. He is currently on trial for charges related to a brief declaration of martial law in 2024, an action prosecutors described as an attempt to incite insurrection. Yoon has already been sentenced to five years in prison in connection with the failed move.

As both sides pursue appeals, the case is expected to remain a focal point in South Korea’s ongoing debate over political accountability and the rule of law.