Post by : Meena Ariff

The wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office last year, was acquitted on several serious charges including stock price manipulation and violations of the political funds law. However, prosecutors have announced their intention to appeal the not-guilty verdicts, according to reports.

This verdict comes amid a wave of legal battles arising from investigations into Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law in 2024 and the controversies surrounding the former presidential couple.

Kim, the former first lady, has denied all accusations against her. Her legal team stated they will carefully review the Seoul Central District Court's decision and determine whether to challenge the bribery conviction she received.

The lead judge on the three-judge panel emphasized that the role of the first lady holds no formal governmental power but serves as a symbolic representative of the nation. He noted, “While a person in such a position may not always be a perfect role model, they must not set a poor example for the public.”

Kim was fined 12.8 million won (about $8,990) and ordered to surrender an expensive necklace linked to the case. She has been in custody since August during the investigation.

Prosecutors had originally demanded a 15-year prison sentence and fines totaling 2.9 billion won if she was found guilty on all counts.

On the day the verdict was delivered, Kim appeared calm, dressed in a dark suit and wearing a face mask. Her lawyers issued a statement saying she “humbly accepts the court’s stern criticism” and expressed regret for causing public concern.

Outside the courthouse, supporters of Yoon and Kim braved freezing temperatures, cheering as the court acquitted Kim on two major charges.

One part of the investigation involved gifts from the Unification Church. The church denied any expectation of favors in return, with its leader Han Hak-ja, who is also facing trial, denying bribery accusations.

Kim has been under intense public scrutiny even before Yoon’s presidency, with questions raised about her academic background and allegations of manipulating stock prices. Her connections to a political broker and a shaman also drew widespread criticism over their possible undue influence on the former presidential couple.

Yoon himself faces eight ongoing trials, including charges related to an attempted insurrection after his failed martial law declaration in December 2024. He is currently appealing a five-year prison sentence for obstructing arrest efforts.

In a separate case, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Yoon, accusing him of masterminding an insurrection. The court is expected to issue its ruling on February 19.

Yoon maintains that his martial law declaration was within his presidential authority and was intended to alert the nation about government obstruction by opposition parties.

#Global News