SEOUL: South Korea opened a criminal trial Wednesday (Sep 24) for the wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the first time an ex-first lady has faced trial, after her husband was removed from office over a martial law bid.
Kim Keon Hee was arrested in August on a range of charges, including stock manipulation and corruption. She appeared in person at the Seoul Central District Court, escorted by guards.
Dressed in a dark suit with her hair tied back, the former first lady wore a badge on her chest bearing her inmate number: 4398.
The trial began with the court confirming her identity and her occupation, to which she replied briefly: “I am unemployed.”
She also gave her date of birth and declined to request a jury trial.
The case means South Korea now has both a former president and a former first lady simultaneously facing criminal proceedings.
Kim has long faced scrutiny, with lingering questions about her alleged role in stock manipulation.
Public criticism was reignited in 2022 when a left-wing pastor filmed himself presenting her with a Dior handbag, which she appeared to accept.
