The couple is under arrest. Yoon, ousted from office in April after attempting martial law unsuccessfully in December, is already in trial for insurrection.
After the indictments were announced, Kim Keon Hee offered an apology to the public, saying “no excuses,” that she was going to just face it all and stand for trial. Through her lawyers, she said, “Just as moonlight gleams and shines at the darkest night, so I, too, will endure this time looking to my heart and truth.” The statement did not comment directly on any of the allegations.
Accusations and Long-term Scandals
Kim is charged with bribery and stock fraud, which included connecting with oppressive business leaders, religious figures, and a very direct political power broker. If convicted, time certainly awaits Kim in prison.
Kim has been a lifelong controversy in the public eye as first lady, with a number of allegations dating back upwards of 15 years, that damaged Yoon’s presidency and Yoon’s conservative party's reputation.
Her attorneys dismissed a number of the allegations and dismissed the allegations of lavish gifts as “groundless speculation”.
Yoon’s martial law decision last December resulted in his ouster, and likewise, Kim’s dramatic fall in power and influence. Kim was considered by many as a crucial part behind Yoon’s election, and yet is now faced with multiple allegations, as the most serious legal challenges of her career.
Prosecution Expanded Investigation of Former Prime Minister
The special prosecutors charged former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as well, who was also an appointee of Yoon. Han faces accusations of aiding and abetting insurrection and committing perjury.
The prosecution maintained that Han held a constitutional basis in order to halt the president’s (Yoon) unconstitutional, illegitimate martial law decree.
Han Duck-soo, a caretaker and veteran technocrat who served under five different presidents, had once again held the office of acting president briefly after Yoon’s impeachment. He was briefly impeached for helping Yoon’s martial law efforts as well.
His impeachment was later repeatedly overturned by the Constitutional Court, and Han later vacated his position and candidacy for president in June after infighting within his party.
