Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea’s jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol, attends her first trial hearing on corruption charges, at the Central District Court in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. CHUNG SUNG-JUN / AP
South Korea opened a criminal trial for the wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, September 24, marking the first time an ex-first lady has faced trial in the country, after her husband was removed from office over a martial law bid. Kim Keon Hee was arrested in August on a range of charges, including stock manipulation and corruption.
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South Korea's political crisis highlights lack of judicial independence
She appeared in person at the Seoul Central District Court, escorted by guards. Dressed in a dark suit with her hair tied back, the former first lady wore a badge on her chest bearing her inmate number: 4398.
