Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady of South Korea and wife of ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, has been arrested as part of a wide investigation into bribery, stock manipulation, and political interference.
The Seoul Central District Court approved her detention late Tuesday, saying there was a risk she might destroy evidence.
Kim arrived at court without speaking to reporters and is now held at a detention center in southern Seoul, separate from her husband. She is scheduled for further questioning on Thursday and could be held for up to 20 days before formal charges are filed.
This arrest marks the first time in South Korea’s history that both a former president and first lady are jailed at the same time. Yoon, a conservative leader removed from office in April, was rearrested last month over his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024.
Special prosecutors are looking into multiple claims against Kim, including pressuring the conservative People Power Party to select a certain candidate in a 2022 by-election at the request of an election broker, accepting luxury gifts through a church intermediary seeking government favors, and involvement in a stock manipulation scheme connected to a BMW dealership.
Authorities also arrested one of Kim’s close associates this week, who allegedly used his connections to her to gain millions in business investments.
Investigators raided a construction company suspected of buying her a $43,000 luxury necklace, which Kim denies was real.
During his time in office, Yoon blocked all investigations into his wife, calling the allegations political attacks.
After his removal, new President Lee Jae Myung authorized three separate investigations—into Yoon’s martial law order, the claims against Kim, and an alleged cover-up of a marine’s death during a 2023 flood rescue.
Yoon’s martial law order lasted only a few hours before lawmakers overturned it, breaking through military blockades.
He was impeached in December and removed from office in April. Now back in prison, Yoon faces rebellion charges and continues to resist questions about his wife.
