A South Korean court on Friday sentenced former First Lady Kim Keon Hee to an additional seven years in prison after convicting her in a high-profile jobs-for-gifts corruption case, further deepening the legal troubles surrounding the country's former presidential couple.

The Seoul Central District Court found Kim guilty of accepting luxury gifts and other valuables in exchange for using her influence to facilitate government and political appointments for individuals connected to the benefactors.

According to prosecutors, the gifts included expensive jewelry, luxury fashion items, artwork and a high-end watch, allegedly offered in return for favorable treatment in public appointments.

The court ruled that Kim abused the influence associated with her position as the wife of the former president to obtain illicit benefits. In addition to the seven-year prison term, the court imposed a fine of 64.8 million won and ordered the confiscation or recovery of assets linked to the bribery scheme.

The latest conviction adds to Kim's existing prison sentence after she was previously found guilty in a separate corruption case involving stock price manipulation and bribery. The new ruling significantly extends her total prison term.

Kim has denied any wrongdoing throughout the legal proceedings. Her lawyers criticized the verdict, describing it as unjust and politically motivated, and announced plans to challenge the ruling before a higher court. The case is the latest in a series of legal setbacks involving the former first family.

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has also faced criminal convictions following his removal from office, making the prosecutions one of the most significant political corruption cases in South Korea's recent history.

The ruling underscores South Korea's continued efforts to hold senior public figures accountable for corruption and abuse of office, regardless of their former status or political influence.