South Korea’s Former First Lady Arrested in Sweeping Corruption Probe

Kim Keon-hee, wife of impeached former President Yoon Suk-yeol, has been arrested on multiple corruption charges, including stock manipulation, bribery, and political interference, in a high-profile case that has gripped South Korea.

The Seoul Central District Court approved a special prosecutor’s request for an arrest warrant on Tuesday, citing the risk that evidence could be destroyed. Kim was taken into custody later the same day and is now being held in solitary confinement at the Seoul Nambu Detention Center.

Investigators allege that Kim was involved in a price-rigging scheme with Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealership, between 2009 and 2012.

She is also accused of accepting luxury gifts including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace valued at around US $43,000 and Chanel handbags worth over US $14,000 — in exchange for influence.

Prosecutors further claim that she meddled in candidate selections for the ruling People Power Party during the 2022 by-election and the 2024 general election.

The arrest is unprecedented in modern South Korean history, marking the first time both a former president and first lady have been detained simultaneously. Yoon, who was impeached earlier this year, remains in custody on separate charges related to an attempted declaration of martial law.

Kim’s legal troubles form part of three separate investigations launched under President Lee Jae-myung’s administration, with at least 16 allegations under review, including possible irregularities in property development projects.

The arrest comes 41 days after the special counsel initiated its probe. Kim has denied wrongdoing but apologised publicly during questioning last week, describing herself as a “nobody.”