The Fall of Kim Keon-hee: South Korean Prosecutors Conclude Investigation into “Modern-Day Sale of Public Offices”
Seol , South Korea – December 29, 2025
The political foundation of South Korea was shaken to its core on Monday as special prosecutors finalized a year-long investigation into former First Lady Kim Keon-hee.
In a scathing concluding statement, the prosecution team accused the wife of disgraced former President Yoon Suk-yeol of operating a “behind-the-scenes” shadow government, allegedly accepting over $260,000 (377 million won) in lavish bribes in exchange for political favors and state influence.
The conclusion of this probe marks a historic low for the nation’s executive branch, as both the former president and his spouse now sit in detention awaiting trial for separate but interconnected crimes against the state.
A Shadow Government Unveiled
Chief Prosecutor Min Joong-ki, leading the Special Counsel, described Kim’s actions as a “modern-day sale of public offices.”
The investigation alleges that Kim exploited her status to intervene broadly in high-level personnel appointments and political nominations.
According to the prosecution, various figures who had no official business with the presidency visited Kim directly to secure their interests, bypassing the constitutional systems of the Republic of Korea.
“The special counsel investigation confirmed that the president’s spouse engaged in the illegal manipulation of state affairs out of the public’s sight,” stated assistant special counsel Kim Hyong-kun during a press conference on Monday.
The prosecution argues that these actions severely undermined the nation’s democratic institutions, turning the presidential residence into a marketplace for influence.
The Price of Influence: Luxury Bags and Diamonds
The details of the alleged bribes are as extravagant as they are damning. Prosecutors detailed a list of luxury items provided by business figures and religious leaders, most notably from the controversial Unification Church.
The gifts reportedly included two Chanel handbags, a Graff diamond necklace, high-end Dior accessories, and a painting by the renowned minimalist artist Lee Ufan.
Beyond physical goods, the probe focused on more systemic corruption, including Kim’s alleged involvement in a long-running stock price manipulation scheme and the acceptance of free political polling services worth millions of won.
These services were allegedly used to influence candidate nominations during the 2022 local elections, further cementing the prosecution’s argument that Kim wielded unconstitutional power over the ruling People Power Party.
The Legal Reckoning
The prosecution has formally requested a 15-year prison sentence for the former First Lady, along with a fine of 2 billion won (approximately $1.4 million).
Kim has denied the majority of the charges, describing the allegations as “deeply unjust,” though she offered a public apology earlier this month for “causing concern to the people.”
While Kim faces bribery and corruption charges, her husband, former President Yoon Suk-yeol, is facing an even graver trial for insurrection following his short-lived declaration of martial law in late 2024.
This is the first time in South Korean history that a former president and his wife have been detained simultaneously, creating a vacuum of trust in the nation’s conservative leadership.
Key Highlights of the Corruption Probe:
Total Bribes:
Estimated at 377.25 million won ($263,000), including luxury fashion and fine art.
Political Interference:
Allegations of “selling” government posts and interfering in party nominations.
The Religious Link:
Indictment of Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja for allegedly providing gifts to gain state influence.
Sentencing Request:
Prosecutors are seeking 15 years of imprisonment; the court’s verdict is expected on January 28, 2026.
Presidential Context:
Former President Yoon remains under arrest on insurrection charges, which could carry the death penalty under Korean law.
CJ Global Investigative Insight
Our sources in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office indicate that the “exclusive secret” within the case files involves a series of audio recordings where Kim allegedly discusses profit-sharing from stock ventures with high-ranking financial executives.
These recordings, which were reportedly obtained during a raid on a “shamanic” advisor’s home, suggest that the influence-peddling went far deeper than designer handbags, reaching into the very mechanics of the South Korean financial market.
As Seoul prepares for the landmark sentencing in January, the public’s focus has shifted toward the need for radical constitutional reform to prevent the “shadow presidency” from ever rising again.
