Kim Keon Hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol (Lim Se-jun)
Kim Keon Hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol (Lim Se-jun)

Kim Keon Hee, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in her first trial on charges of accepting money and favors in exchange for brokering appointments and other favors — often described as "the buying and selling of public offices" — wept during her appellate trial, saying she had lost all her wealth and honor after her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, took office.

On Wednesday, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 15-3 — presided over by judges Sung Eon-ju, Won Ik-seon and Lee Hee-jun — held the final hearing in the appellate trial of Kim, who was indicted on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes for brokering bribes.

Appearing in court, Kim said in her final statement, "The role of the president's spouse carried more responsibility than any other position, and though I should have been more careful, I cannot admit to something I did not do," asserting her innocence.

She then said, "Anyone who has worked with President Yoon Suk Yeol would know this. He is not someone who grants a request just because his wife asks. This is so unjust."

In tears, she went on to say, "To me, the role of the president's spouse means giving up even more of what I have for the sake of the country. Before my marriage, running my business was far more profitable, but after my husband became president, I lost everything — my wealth and my honor."

Kim said, "I ask the court to ensure that at least a minimal degree of honor is preserved, so that my entire life is not defined by things that are not true. I am sorry for causing concern to many people because of my inadequate conduct. I will live the rest of my life in repentance."

Kim's defense counsel argued that the special prosecutor had failed to sufficiently prove a quid pro quo relationship between the favors and the money, and asked the court to overturn the lower court's ruling and acquit her. The defense also asked the court to consider in sentencing that Kim never demanded money first, that some of the money was returned or deposited with the court, that she is standing trial in multiple cases simultaneously, and her health condition.

The special prosecution team countered that the money Kim received was not a gift based on simple personal ties but was given in exchange for brokering personnel appointments or business favors, and asked the court to uphold the seven-year prison sentence from the first trial.

"What matters is why this person provided this amount of money to this particular recipient at this particular time," the team said, adding that the court should weigh together the circumstances facing the person who provided the money at the time, Kim's position, how the relationship was formed, and the amount and timing of the payment.

The team also argued that unlike an ordinary broker, Kim was in a position, as the president's spouse, to directly approach the president and exert influence over public decision-making. It added that the shock to society caused by the crime, the damage to the fairness of public office, and the degree of illegality far exceed cases in which senior officials such as ministers receive similar favors and money.

The court concluded proceedings that day and scheduled the appellate sentencing for Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.


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