^{Photo: South China Morning Post}

South Korea’s political landscape has been shaken once again as former First Lady Kim Keon Hee has reportedly been indicted on multiple corruption and bribery charges. Kim, the wife of ousted ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, now faces serious allegations tied to financial misconduct, illicit political support, and questionable ties to religious organizations.

Allegations of Stock Manipulation and Election Misconduct

According to reports from South Korean media, Kim is accused of channeling funds into a stock manipulation scheme. Investigators claim the money was used to inflate share prices of a domestic company, a move that allegedly benefited her close associates. Beyond financial dealings, prosecutors allege that Kim accepted free opinion polling services ahead of the 2022 presidential election, giving Yoon’s campaign an unfair advantage during the heated race.

Gifts and Favors Linked to the Unification Church

The indictment further points to Kim’s alleged relationship with the Unification Church, a religious organization headquartered in Seoul with a controversial global reputation. Prosecutors believe she received luxury gifts from church representatives in 2022 in exchange for promised business favors. Such accusations, if proven true, would tie South Korea’s highest office to yet another corruption scandal involving religious groups and political power.

Connection to Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Downfall

Kim’s indictment comes on the heels of her husband Yoon Suk Yeol’s dramatic fall from power earlier this year. Yoon was removed from office and arrested after declaring a short-lived martial law in December 2024, an unprecedented act that plunged the country into political turmoil. He now faces insurrection charges, which carry a maximum penalty of death under South Korean law.

Renewed Investigations Under President Lee Jae Myung

The probe into Kim and her husband has gained momentum since President Lee Jae Myung took office. In June, Lee approved new legislation to investigate Yoon’s martial law bid as well as other corruption claims linked to his administration. This marked a turning point in the inquiry, as Yoon had previously used his presidential powers to block such investigations.

Broader Implications for South Korea’s Political Stability

The indictment of Kim Keon Hee adds yet another layer to South Korea’s long history of corruption scandals involving former presidents and their families. Analysts suggest the case could deepen public distrust in the nation’s political institutions, with both Yoon and Kim now at the center of a widening corruption probe.

As the legal battles unfold, South Korea faces critical questions about the accountability of its leaders and the influence of money and power in its political system.

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