Former South Korea First Lady Kim Keon Hee Indicted for Bribery and Fraud Amid Martial Law Scandal

Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea's ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol

Kim Keon Hee, wife of South Korea’s ousted former president Yoon Suk Yeol, has been formally indicted on bribery and multiple other charges, a special prosecution team confirmed on Friday. The indictment comes as part of an expanding probe into the country’s martial law crisis and a series of scandals tied to the once-powerful couple.

Both Yoon and Kim are currently in custody. Yoon is already standing trial on charges including insurrection after being removed from office in April, following his failed attempt to impose martial law in December. Special prosecutors were appointed to investigate the couple separately after Yoon’s ouster and the inauguration of President Lee Jae Myung.

This marks the first time in South Korea’s history that a former first lady has been indicted. The charges against Kim include stock fraud and bribery, with prosecutors alleging her involvement with business owners, religious leaders, and a political power broker. If convicted, she could face years in prison.

Kim has long been a controversial figure, facing scandals that date back more than 15 years. These allegations repeatedly overshadowed Yoon’s turbulent presidency and dealt heavy political damage to his conservative party. Her legal team continues to deny the charges, dismissing reports of alleged luxury gifts as unfounded speculation.

In a related move, special prosecutors also indicted former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was appointed by Yoon, on charges of abetting insurrection and committing perjury during the martial law investigation.