South Korea's ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee faces corruption, stock manipulation trial

Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, has begun a criminal trial facing charges including bribery, stock manipulation, and violations of political fundraising laws. The trial marks the first time a former South Korean first lady has faced such proceedings, with Kim appearing in court wearing an inmate number and requesting a judge trial instead of a jury. Prosecutors allege she accepted luxury gifts from the Unification Church, including a Dior handbag and other expensive items, which she denies along with all charges. The case is part of a broader corruption scandal involving political and religious figures, with the leader of the Unification Church recently jailed for allegedly directing bribes to Kim. Meanwhile, Yoon is separately on trial for his attempted martial law declaration, making South Korea the first instance of both a former president and first lady simultaneously facing criminal trials. Public criticism intensified after a video surfaced showing Kim accepting a luxury handbag, which contributed to the political fallout leading to Yoon's removal from office.