In South Korea, Kim Keon Hee says she lost her wealth and honor
In Seoul, South Korea, former first lady Kim Keon Hee said during an appeal hearing that after her husband Yoon Suk Yeol became president, she “lost everything — her wealth and honor.” As Korea Herald reports, she asked the court to acquit her in an influence-peddling case.
Statement at the appeals court
In her final statement at the Seoul High Court, Kim denied using her status as the president’s wife for personal gain. She said she did not receive compensation for helping secure appointments of people to public positions or the awarding of government projects. She also said she did not use presidential authority to secure a position or business opportunity for anyone.
Kim acknowledged that she should have been more careful in her conduct as the president’s wife, but said she could not admit to actions that she claims she did not commit. She also said that before her marriage, when she was engaged in business, she was in a better financial position.
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First-instance verdict
The court of first instance found Kim guilty on all counts and sentenced her to seven years in prison. In particular, the court found that she received valuables worth 103.8 million won, or about $74,000, from Lee Bong-kwan, chairman of the construction company Seohee Construction. The court linked this episode to assistance in obtaining a position for the businessman’s elder son-in-law.
Other episodes in the case concern a Vacheron Constantin watch worth 39.9 million won, a gold turtle, a copy of the Joseon-period painting “Sehando,” a Dior bag, and a painting connected to a request for a party nomination. The appeals court is due to announce its decision on September 22.
