[A photo of Kim Keon-hee. Photo credit to Wikipedia Commons] 

South Korea witnessed a shocking event as former First Lady Kim Keon-hee was taken into custody by a Seoul court on August 12, 2025.

Kim was charged with multiple crimes such as stock fraud, bribery, and involvement in election manipulation.

The arrest was made following months of investigation and came shortly after the impeachment and subsequent detention of her husband, former president Yoon Suk-yeol.

Her imprisonment represents the first instance in South Korea’s history in which both a former president and a former first lady are behind bars at the same time.

Prosecutors have claimed that Kim is accused of orchestrating the manipulation of Deutsch Motors’ stock prices, a BMW dealership located in Seoul, and allegedly profiting about 800 million won through this scheme.

Authorities further allege that she directed more than 270 million won worth of unlawful polling and survey operations during the People Power Party’s 2022 by-election, in an attempt to sway candidate selections.

Investigators also revealed that Kim allegedly accepted multiple bribes such as luxury bags and jewelry worth tens of thousands of dollars from several influential religious figures.

Prosecutors suspect these items were offered in exchange for political favors and developmental benefits rather than as personal tokens of appreciation.

During her court appearance, Kim rejected the allegations.

She stated, “I apologize for causing concern to the people, even though I am someone insignificant,” but denied any wrongdoing.

Despite her defense, the judge ruled that there was a substantial risk of evidence tampering and approved the warrant for her arrest.

Kim’s case is unfolding directly after South Korea’s most recent political scandal.

Just four months earlier, on April 4, former president Yoon was impeached following his attempt to impose martial law on Korea in December 2024.

Yoon’s actions were widely regarded as a breach of the constitution and an authoritarian effort to stifle public dissent. 

Yoon now faces a series of trials over alleged corruption and abuse of power.

With Kim also under arrest, public doubts about the couple’s time in office are growing.

Current president Lee Jae-myung has appointed three special prosecutors to investigate both Yoon’s declaration of martial law and Kim’s corruption charges, along with other cases tied to their administration.

The public’s reaction to Kim’s arrest has been strongly divided.

Supporters of Kim argue that she is being unfairly targeted by political rivals.

Meanwhile, critics insist her arrest was overdue given her history of controversy.

Protesters have gathered outside Seoul’s Nambu Detention Center, demanding harsher penalties.

Legal experts point out that the complexity of the financial and political charges could prolong the proceedings.

If convicted on all counts, Kim could face a lengthy prison sentence.

Prosecutors have hinted that further incriminating evidence may surface in the coming months, potentially extending her legal troubles.