South Korean prosecutors have demanded a 15-year prison sentence for Kim Kun-hee, the former first lady, on charges of bribery and corruption related to a 2011 land progress deal. The Seoul Central District Court heard arguments on Friday, with prosecutors alleging Kim received illicit funds from a developer in exchange for favorable treatment during the project’s approval process.The case against kim, wife of former President Park Geun-hye, centers on accusations she leveraged her influence to secure financial benefits for herself and associates. This latest development in a series of high-profile corruption scandals involving South Korea’s political elite underscores ongoing efforts to combat graft and ensure accountability among public officials. A verdict is expected in the coming weeks, and the outcome could have significant implications for the future of South Korea’s political landscape and public trust in its institutions.
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Kim received approximately 35 million won (roughly $28,000 USD at the time) from the developer, Lee Sang-geun, through intermediaries. They argued this constituted a bribe intended to influence the land development project in Seongnam, near Seoul. Lee was convicted in 2018 of corruption charges related to the same deal and testified against Kim during the trial.
Kim’s legal team has consistently denied the charges, claiming her involvement was minimal and that she was unaware of any illicit transactions. They argued the prosecution’s case relies heavily on the testimony of a convicted criminal and lacks concrete evidence directly linking Kim to the bribery scheme.
The trial follows the impeachment and conviction of Park Geun-hye in 2018 on separate corruption charges, marking a tumultuous period in South Korean politics. Park is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. The ongoing prosecution of Kim Kun-hee represents a continued effort by authorities to address systemic corruption and reinforce the rule of law.
