South Korean : court is set to announce its decision on Wednesday in a high-profile corruption and bribery case involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee, marking the first judgment among three criminal proceedings she currently faces. The ruling is expected to draw nationwide attention given its political significance and the unprecedented nature of the case.

Sentencing Hearing Scheduled for Live Broadcast

The Seoul Central District Court will deliver its verdict at 2:10 p.m. local time, with the proceedings scheduled to be broadcast live. The sentencing hearing represents a major moment in the ongoing legal fallout following the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. Court officials have confirmed heightened security and media arrangements due to the public interest surrounding the case.

Potential First Conviction of a Presidential Couple

If the court finds Kim guilty, she and her husband would become the first former presidential couple in South Korea to both receive criminal convictions. Yoon Suk Yeol was previously sentenced to five years in prison over charges linked to his declaration of martial law in 2024. He is also facing additional legal proceedings, including accusations related to leading an insurrection.

Prosecutors Seek Lengthy Prison Term

The prosecution team, led by special counsel Min Joong-ki, has requested a 15-year prison sentence for Kim. Prosecutors argue that the evidence supports serious violations of financial and political integrity laws. The charges span several years and involve multiple alleged schemes, including market manipulation and the acceptance of high-value gifts.

Stock Manipulation Allegations Detailed

One of the central charges involves accusations that Kim conspired with a former executive of Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealership in South Korea, and another close associate to manipulate the company’s share price. Prosecutors claim the scheme operated between 2010 and 2012, generating illegal profits totaling approximately 810 million won, equivalent to about $565,000. Kim has denied any involvement in the alleged activities.

Claims of Undisclosed Election-Related Support

Kim also stands accused of receiving free public opinion polls valued at roughly 270 million won ahead of the 2022 presidential election. According to prosecutors, the services were provided by an individual described as a political power broker, and were allegedly received by both Kim and her husband without proper disclosure.

Luxury Gifts and Alleged Favor Requests

Another charge centers on claims that Kim accepted luxury items worth about 80 million won in 2022 from a senior figure linked to the Unification Church. Prosecutors allege that the gifts were arranged with the involvement of a shaman and were accompanied by requests for business-related favors. Kim has consistently rejected these allegations, stating that she did not solicit or accept improper benefits.

Related Cases to Be Decided the Same Day

The court is also expected to issue rulings on Wednesday in related bribery cases involving other defendants connected to the Unification Church. Among them is a former church official accused of delivering the luxury gifts allegedly given to Kim. These verdicts are viewed as closely tied to the broader investigation.

Political Figures Await Separate Verdicts

In a separate but related decision, the court will announce its judgment on opposition lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong of the People Power Party. He has been accused of receiving 100 million won in illegal political funds from the same religious organization, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency.

Additional Trials Still Pending

Beyond the current case, Kim faces two more criminal trials. One involves allegations that she played a role in mobilizing members of the Unification Church to support the People Power Party. The other concerns claims that luxury gifts were accepted in exchange for influencing government job appointments. Kim has been held in custody since August while awaiting the outcomes of these proceedings.