Kim Keon Hee’s arrest has triggered unprecedented political shockwaves in South Korea, with both a former president and former first lady now imprisoned. Authorities detained Kim on Tuesday following a four-hour court hearing where she denied charges of stock manipulation, bribery, and election meddling.
The Seoul court issued a detention warrant, citing the risk that she could destroy evidence if allowed to remain free during the investigation. This marks the first time in South Korean history that both a former head of state and their spouse are incarcerated simultaneously.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained in January over allegations of attempting a failed martial law coup that destabilized the country. Prosecutors accuse Kim, 52, of profiting over 800 million won through a price rigging scheme involving shares of BMW dealer Deutsch Motors.
They allege she continued the scheme even as her husband’s presidency was scrutinized due to ongoing public interest in her business dealings. Investigators also claim she accepted two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace from the controversial Unification Church in exchange for political favors.
Additional allegations suggest Kim interfered in candidate nominations during the 2022 parliamentary by elections and the general elections held the following year. In office Yoon vetoed three opposition led bills demanding a special counsel probe into Kim’s alleged misconduct blocking investigations during his presidency.
Yoon issued his final veto in November, just one week before declaring martial law, an act that precipitated his eventual removal from power. The new administration under President Lee Jae Myung approved the formation of a special council in June.
