Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee was arrested on Tuesday after a court approved a warrant for her detention over multiple graft allegations.
A special prosecutor confirmed the arrest late Tuesday, saying the warrant was issued after the court agreed there was a risk she could destroy evidence. Kim denies all allegations.
Kim is the first former South Korean first lady to be arrested. Her detention comes as her husband, former president Yoon Suk Yeol, remains in custody while facing trial for his failed attempt to impose martial law in December. Yoon was removed from office in April.
Earlier in the day, Kim arrived at the Seoul court wearing a black suit. She bowed to reporters but made no statement. After the hearing, she was taken to a detention center to await the decision.
The court later approved her arrest following the prosecution’s request. The prosecutor’s office did not give further details in its announcement.
Kim faces several charges, including stock fraud, bribery, and illegal influence peddling. The allegations involve business figures, religious leaders, and a political power broker. If found guilty, she could face years in prison.
One allegation concerns her wearing a Van Cleef pendant valued at more than 60 million won (about $43,000) during a NATO summit in 2022. Prosecutors say the pendant was a gift from a domestic construction company. It was not listed in the couple’s legally required financial disclosure.
Kim is also accused of accepting two Chanel handbags worth 20 million won and a diamond necklace from a religious group. Prosecutors claim the items were given in exchange for favorable treatment toward the group’s business activities.
Prosecutor’s office spokesperson Oh Jeong-hee said the arrest was necessary due to concerns over evidence tampering. Oh stated that Kim told investigators the pendant was a fake purchased in Hong Kong 20 years ago. However, prosecutors maintain it was genuine and provided to her for the NATO summit.
Kim’s legal team did not comment on Tuesday’s events. In previous statements, her lawyers have denied the allegations and called reports about the gifts unsubstantiated.
The arrest of Kim comes as Yoon faces charges of insurrection, which could carry a sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty. He is also accused of abuse of power and other crimes. Yoon has denied any wrongdoing, refused to attend trial hearings, and declined to answer prosecutors’ questions.
This is the first time a former South Korean first lady has been detained. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the involvement of both the former president and his wife in separate but high-profile legal proceedings.
The special prosecutor’s team began its investigation in early June. Authorities are expected to continue questioning individuals linked to the alleged bribery and fraud. No trial date for Kim has yet been announced.
