South Korea's political landscape has taken a dramatic turn as former first lady Kim Keon Hee was arrested on several serious charges, including stock manipulation and bribery. During a four-hour court session in Seoul, the 52-year-old denied the allegations but was ultimately issued a detention warrant due to concerns she could destroy evidence.
This unprecedented situation marks the first time both a former president and first lady have faced incarceration in South Korea. The arrest comes after her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, was detained earlier this year for a failed martial law proposal that rocked the country and led to his removal from office.
Kim faces accusations of profiting over $577,000 from a price-rigging scheme tied to Deutsch Motors, a local BMW dealer, despite the alleged misconduct occurring before Yoon's presidency. Additionally, she is said to have accepted luxurious gifts from the Unification Church in exchange for business favors and is accused of interfering with candidate nominations during recent elections.
Dressed in formal attire, Kim expressed regret for the situation during her court appearance, stating, "I sincerely apologize for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance." Her husband's previous vetoes against investigations into her activities have now led to a special counsel being established, highlighting the complexity of South Korea's political woes.
