South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former First Lady Kim Keon Hee to 18 months in prison after finding her guilty of accepting bribes from officials of the United Church in exchange for political favors. The verdict follows a separate case where the court cleared her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, of charges of stock‑price manipulation and political‑financing violations. Prosecutors had sought a 15‑year sentence and fines of 2.9 billion won. Kim denied all allegations and her lawyer said an appeal will be considered. The decision comes amid a series of trials triggered by the brief martial‑law declaration by Yoon in late 2024 and other scandals involving the former presidential couple. The United Church said the gifts were given without expectation of favors and its leader Han Hak‑ja denied ordering the bribery. Yoon Suk Yeol faces eight separate prosecutions, including for sedition, after his failed attempt to impose martial law.

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