Seoul, Aug. 13, 2025 — South Korean authorities have arrested former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, wife of ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, on multiple charges of financial misconduct, including stock market fraud, bribery, and abuse of power, Reuters reported Tuesday.
A Seoul court issued the arrest warrant on August 12 after prosecutors argued that Kim could destroy evidence or interfere with the investigation if released. She was taken to a detention center following a court hearing, during which she declined to answer questions from reporters.
Prosecutors allege that Kim failed to disclose ownership of a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace worth more than USD 43,000, seen on her during the 2022 NATO summit, as well as two Chanel handbags valued at USD 14,000. She is also accused of accepting a diamond necklace in exchange for granting business favors to a religious organization.
Kim’s legal team has consistently denied all allegations.
Her husband, former President Yoon, is currently on trial for treason and imposing martial law, charges he rejects. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
While several former South Korean presidents have faced prosecution, Yoon is the first to be imprisoned. This marks the first time in the nation’s history that both a former president and first lady have been arrested.
