In a landmark moment for South Korea’s political landscape, Kim Keon‑hee, former first lady and spouse of impeached ex-President Yoon Suk‑yeol, was arrested on August 12 following a court’s approval of a special prosecutor’s detention warrant.

Charges and Allegations

Kim faces a range of serious accusations, including:

Stock manipulation involving Deutsch Motors Election interference, alleged meddling in candidate nominations within her husband’s party Bribery after allegedly receiving luxury gifts—including Chanel bags, a diamond necklace, and an undeclared Van Cleef pendant—allegedly from religious figures or business interests seeking influence  .

Historic First — Couple in Custody

This marks the first time in South Korean history that both a former president and first lady are simultaneously held, as Yoon is already detained and on trial for related crimes  .

Court Justification and Response

The court cited the risk of evidence tampering as a key reason for approving her arrest  . Kim, who arrived at the court dressed in black, denied the allegations and refrained from speaking to the press  .