South Korea’s ex-first lady nabbed, faces multiple charges

International

SOUTH Korea’s former First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been arrested on charges of stock manipulation and bribery.

Kim was accused of accepting bribes from a controversial Unification Church where she received high-end bags and a diamond necklace in exchange for business-related favors.

In a BBC report, Kim allegedly made 800 million won by involving herself into manipulating prices of stocks from a BMW dealer in South Korea, Deutsch Motors.

Aside from these alleged wrongdoings, Kim is also accused of interfering in candidacy selections during the 2022 elections and general elections last year.

In a four long hours of court hearing, Kim was seen wearing a black suit and a black skirt.

The former first lady denied all the allegations against her.

Despite denying all charges against her, the court issued a detention warrant to prevent her camp from sabotaging possible evidence that could be used against her.

Though these actions were made way before his husband, former South Korea President was elected, it remained to cast a shadow over his term.

“l sincerely apologise for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance,” Kim told reporters.

When Yoon Suk Yeol was still in the position, three opposition-led bills that sought a particular counsel investigation into accusations against Kim were rejected,

In November, a week before martial law was announced, Yoon issued a final veto.

Meanwhile, a special counsel was built in June this year right after Lee Jae Myung was elected to be the new President.

It was the first time South Korea has arrested both the president and first lady. Former South Korea president, Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office after declaring a martial law.(Theressa Faye Lacandazo, USC Comm Intern)