Court Issues Prison Term After Gift‑Taking Conviction The Seoul Central District Court handed down a 1‑year‑8‑month prison sentence to former first lady Kim Keon Hee on 28 January 2026 following a corruption trial that began in December 2025 [1][2]. The conviction stems from her acceptance of luxury gifts supplied by the Unification Church, a charge the court found proven beyond reasonable doubt. Media outlets documented the trial’s progress, including a photo of Kim attending court on 3 December 2025 [1].

Acquittals Limit Scope of Criminal Liability While convicting Kim on the gift‑acceptance count, the court cleared her of alleged stock‑manipulation activities and violations of the Political Funds Act [1]. Prosecutors had sought a substantially harsher penalty of up to 15 years, arguing the case warranted severe punishment [1]. The disparity between the prosecution’s request and the court’s ruling underscores differing assessments of the case’s gravity.

Media Coverage Highlights Reporting Variations Yonhap published two separate stories on the sentencing, both timestamped on 28 January 2026, with one article updated a minute after its initial release [2]. The more detailed report (article 1) includes the acquittals and the prosecutor’s sentencing recommendation, whereas the shorter piece (article 2) limits its focus to the sentence itself [2]. Both pieces note the court’s decision and the public’s interest in the high‑profile case.