South Korea Ex-First Lady Kim Keon Hee Indicted Bribery, Influence-Peddling

Kim Keon Hee, wife of South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, has been indicted and detained on multiple charges including influence-peddling, bribery, stock price manipulation, and violations of the Political Funds and Capital Markets Acts. The indictment marks the first time in South Korean history that a former first lady is being tried while in custody, and she and Yoon are the first presidential couple to face simultaneous criminal trials. Prosecutors allege that Kim received polling data during the 2022 presidential election at no cost and used her influence to secure a party nomination for a lawmaker ahead of the 2022 by-elections. She is also accused of receiving expensive gifts from a high-ranking Unification Church official seeking the couple's support for church-related projects. Meanwhile, Yoon is currently on trial for insurrection following his failed December 2022 martial law declaration. Both remain incarcerated as their respective legal battles continue, highlighting a significant political and corruption scandal in South Korea.