South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee indicted for bribery

29/8/2025 16:18

Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea's ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, has been indicted for bribery and other charges, a special prosecution team said on Friday, amid a widening probe into the country's martial law crisis and scandals involving the once powerful couple.



Both Yoon and Kim have been arrested and are in jail, with Yoon already undergoing trial on charges that include insurrection following his ouster in April over a botched bid to impose martial law in December.



The couple face separate investigations by special prosecutors appointed after Yoon's removal from office and since liberal President Lee Jae Myung took office in early June.



Following the indictment, Kim apologised for causing concerns and said she would make "no excuses" and face trial.



"Just as moonlight shines brightly in the darkest night, I too will endure this time, looking to my truth and heart," Kim said in a statement relayed by her lawyers, which did not address specific charges against her.



The charges against Kim, which are punishable by years in prison if she is found guilty, range from stock fraud to suspected bribery that has implicated business owners, religious figures and a powerful political broker.