In a dramatic turn of events, the Seoul High Court reversed the earlier acquittal of Kim Keon-hee, wife of President Yoon Suk Yeol, in the 'Chanel bag' case and significantly heightened her sentence for stock manipulation. The live broadcast of the sentencing on April 28, 2026, captured the moment the verdict was read, drawing widespread public attention.
The court found Kim guilty of colluding with others to manipulate Deutsche Motor's stock price, handing down a four-year prison term. This decision overturned the previous not-guilty verdict on the charge of receiving a luxury bag as a bribe, which had sparked controversy. The prosecution had argued that the bag was a reward for political favors, while Kim's defense claimed it was a personal gift.
During the live proceedings, Kim remained composed but appeared visibly tense as the judge read the lengthy sentence. The verdict has reignited debates about judicial fairness and political corruption in South Korea. Legal experts note that this case could set a precedent for how high-profile corruption cases are handled.
The ruling comes amid ongoing investigations into other allegations involving the first lady, including her involvement in a land development scandal. The public reaction has been mixed, with some praising the court for holding the powerful accountable, while others criticize the sentence as too lenient. The case is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court.