Today, the Seoul High Court found Kim Kun-hee guilty of stock manipulation and bribery, sentencing her to four years in prison and a fine of 50 million won. However, many are calling the sentence far too lenient given the severity of her crimes.
According to the court, Kim was not merely a financier or accomplice in the manipulation of Deutsch Motors' stock price, but a co-perpetrator who actively participated in the scheme. Stock manipulation is a grave offense that destroys trust in capital markets, systematically defrauds ordinary investors, and ruins countless lives.
Throughout the trial, Kim maintained a posture of innocence, claiming she had only entrusted her account to others. Regarding bribery allegations involving the Unification Church, she admitted only partial involvement while denying the rest, feigning ignorance. Observers note that there appear to be few mitigating factors to justify a reduced sentence.
The case has raised questions about accountability for those in powerful positions. Critics argue that leniency undermines the principle that no one is above the law. Calls for a thorough special counsel investigation continue, with hopes that justice will be served without compromise.
Endless News begins on April 28th.