Court finds first lady Kim Keon-hee guilty of accepting bribes for political favors

A South Korean court has found first lady Kim Keon-hee guilty of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors. The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Thursday that Kim received a gold turtle and a replica of a landscape painting from Lee Bae-yong, a former member of the National Education Committee, who sought a political appointment.

The court determined that the gold turtle was provided as a bribe for arranging a presidential appointment. It also found that Kim was aware of the bribe's purpose and intent when she received it. Approximately 40 days later, Lee sent a replica of the "Sehando" painting, which the court also recognized as being part of the same bribery scheme.

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The gold turtle was provided as a bribe for arranging a presidential appointment, and it is reasonable to view Kim Keon-hee as having received it with awareness of its purpose and the quid pro quo.

Kim was accused of receiving the items, valued at 2.65 million won, in 2022. However, the gold turtle was delivered before President Yoon Suk-yeol took office, meaning Lee Bae-yong was not charged under the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act for that specific delivery. The court's decision marks a significant legal development concerning the first lady.

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It is reasonable to believe that she was fully aware that the replica Sehando painting, sent additionally by Lee Bae-yong about 40 days after receiving the gold turtle, was also for the same purpose of seeking political favors.