Kim Keon Hee Appeals in Tears: “I Lost All My Wealth and Honor After My Husband Became President”

[Financial News] Kim Keon Hee, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in the first trial for allegedly accepting various valuables in exchange for requests involving public appointments and business interests, shed tears during her final statement at the appeal hearing, saying, “I lost all my wealth and honor after my husband became president.”
On the 9th, the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 15-3, composed of Presiding Judge Sung Eon-joo, Judge Won Ik-sun and Judge Lee Hee-jun, held the closing hearing in Kim Keon Hee’s appeal. She was indicted on charges of accepting bribes in exchange for influence under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. Special Counsel Min Joung-kie’s team requested that the original sentence be upheld, while Kim Keon Hee’s attorney countered, “The evidence presented by the special counsel is insufficient to establish that the charges have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” and argued that she should be acquitted.
Appearing in court, Kim Keon Hee said in her final statement, “Being the president’s spouse was a position that carried more responsibility than any other, and I should have acted more cautiously.” She nevertheless maintained, “I have never received anything from anyone in exchange for a public office or a national project, nor have I ever used presidential authority to give someone a position or a business opportunity. I cannot admit to things I did not do.”
She continued, “Anyone who has worked with President Yoon Suk Yeol knows,” adding, “He is not someone who grants a request simply because his wife asks him to. I am deeply wronged.” She again insisted that she should be acquitted.
She also appealed, “Being the president’s spouse meant giving up more of what I had for the sake of the country. I was far better off financially when I was running a business before marriage, but after my husband became president, I lost everything—my wealth and my honor.”
Kim Keon Hee said through tears, “I ask the court to ensure that my entire life is not defined by things that are not true and that at least my minimal honor can be preserved.” She added, “I am sorry for causing concern to so many people through my inadequate conduct. I will live the rest of my life in remorse.”
In the first trial, the court found Kim Keon Hee guilty of charges including accepting jewelry worth approximately 103.8 million won from Lee Bong-gwan, chairman of Seohee Construction, along with a request for the appointment of his eldest son-in-law, as well as accepting a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch worth approximately 39.9 million won from a businessman identified by his surname, Seo.
The court also found her guilty of accepting a gold turtle and a replica of “Sehando” from former National Education Commission Chair Lee Bae-yong; Christian Dior bags from Pastor Choi Jae-young; and a painting from former senior prosecutor Kim Sang-min along with a request for a nomination.
The court is scheduled to deliver its ruling in Kim Keon Hee’s appeal at 2 p.m. on the 22nd.
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