Judge Woo In‑sung hands down 20‑month term and financial penalties The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison, ordering repayment of 12.85 million won and confiscation of a Graff diamond necklace [1]. The court also cleared her of stock‑price manipulation and illegal opinion‑poll procurement charges [1][2]. Judge Woo noted the absence of solicitation and Kim’s minimal prior record when setting a term far below the prosecution’s 15‑year request [1].

Historic dual convictions link former president and first lady Former President Yoon Suk Yeol received a five‑year sentence earlier in January for abuse of power, document falsification, and obstruction of justice [1][2]. Kim’s conviction marks the first time a South Korean presidential couple have been sentenced in the same round of trials [1]. The dual rulings underscore a broader anti‑corruption drive targeting the Yoon administration [2].

Unification Church gifts valued at roughly 80 million won trigger bribery finding Prosecutors presented evidence that Kim accepted a Graff diamond necklace, Chanel handbags, and other luxury items worth about 80 million won from Unification Church officials between April and July 2022 [1][2]. She later returned the Chanel bags, but the necklace and other items were seized as illicit gains [1]. While investigators also alleged an 800 million‑won stock‑rigging scheme and 270 million‑won worth of free polls, the court acquitted her of those accusations [2].

Kim’s personal and business background fuels ongoing scrutiny Born Kim Myeong‑sin, she had her 1999 art‑education degree revoked in 2025 after plagiarism was uncovered [2]. Her art‑exhibition firm Covana Contents faced a tax‑evasion probe cleared in 2023, yet a special counsel has reopened the case for further review [2]. Twelve of the sixteen allegations examined by the special counsel were forwarded to police for additional investigation [2].

Anti‑graft law limits and spy‑camera footage intensify public outcry South Korean law caps gifts to officials and spouses at 1 million won per item and 3 million won annually, a threshold Kim exceeded with the Chanel handbag captured in September 2022 [2]. The footage, recorded by pastor Choi Jae‑young, showed the bag being handed to Kim, and the presidential office now stores it as government property [2]. Civic groups have filed anti‑graft complaints, emphasizing the breach of legal gift limits [2].