Kim Keon Hee, South Korea’s former first lady, was taken into custody on Tuesday night after a court approved a warrant for her arrest in connection with corruption allegations, which she denies. The announcement came from a special prosecutor leading an extensive investigation.
Kim is now the first former first lady in South Korea to be arrested and is currently being held alongside her husband, ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is also in jail. Yoon is facing trial after being removed from office in April for his failed attempt to impose martial law in December.
Earlier on Tuesday, Kim arrived at the court dressed in a black suit and bowed to the media but did not respond to any questions. After her hearing, she was transferred to a detention center in Seoul, which is standard procedure while awaiting the court’s decision.
The special prosecutor, appointed in June, confirmed the court had granted the arrest warrant but provided no further information.
Kim faces several serious charges, including stock manipulation, bribery, and using her influence for illegal purposes. These allegations have reportedly entangled business leaders, religious figures, and a political fixer.
One notable accusation involves Kim wearing a Van Cleef & Arpels pendant, allegedly worth over 60 million won (around $43,000), to a 2022 NATO summit. Prosecutors say the item was never declared in the couple’s legally required financial disclosures.
Additionally, Kim is accused of accepting luxury items—including two Chanel handbags valued at 20 million won and a diamond necklace—from a religious organization in exchange for political favors benefiting their business ventures.
Prosecutors pushed for her arrest citing concerns she might destroy evidence or interfere with the investigation. According to Yonhap News, the court agreed there was a significant risk of evidence tampering.
Prosecutor’s office spokesperson Oh Jeong-hee stated that Kim claimed the pendant was a counterfeit purchased in Hong Kong two decades ago. However, investigators believe it was an authentic gift from a domestic construction company intended for her appearance at the summit.
While her legal team declined to comment following the hearing, they have previously rejected the allegations and dismissed reports of her receiving luxury items as baseless.
Meanwhile, former President Yoon is currently on trial for insurrection, a charge that carries the possibility of life in prison or even the death penalty. He also faces multiple other charges, including abuse of power, but maintains his innocence and has refused to participate in court proceedings.
