Arrest of Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee Raises Eyebrows in South Korea

The recent arrest of Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea's incarcerated former president Yoon Suk Yeol, has captured public attention as she confronts allegations of stock manipulation and bribery. This unprecedented dual imprisonment of both a former president and first lady highlights ongoing issues within South Korea's political landscape.

The wife of South Korea's convicted former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been taken into custody following a series of serious allegations. Kim Keon Hee is facing multiple charges including stock manipulation and bribery, with a court in Seoul issuing a detention warrant due to concerns over potential evidence tampering.

During a recent four-hour court session, Kim, aged 52, firmly denied the charges leveled against her. However, South Korean authorities have indicated the seriousness of the offenses; prosecutors assert that she profited over 800 million won (approximately $577,940) from engaging in a price-rigging scheme tied to Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealer in the nation.

Even though these activities reportedly took place before Yoon's presidency, they have overshadowed his term. Furthermore, Kim is alleged to have accepted luxury items, including Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, as bribes from the controversial Unification Church in return for political favors.

In an unexpected twist, Kim is also under scrutiny for her influence over candidate selections during the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and last year's general elections. On the day of her court appearance, she wore a somber outfit and expressed remorse, stating, "I sincerely apologise for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance."

The history of South Korean politics is rife with the investigations and imprisonments of former leaders, but the simultaneous incarceration of Kim and Yoon marks a novel chapter in the country’s political saga. While in office, Yoon had blocked several opposition-led motions that demanded a special counsel to look into allegations against his wife. The recent establishment of a special counsel reflects the changes in political dynamics following the election of President Lee Jae Myung, Yoon's political rival.