Arrest of former South Korean first lady, Kim, confirmed
South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was arrested on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, following a court order. The arrest came after a review of the prosecutors' 848-page opinion detailing Kim's alleged unlawful acts, which include violations of capital market and financial investment laws, as well as political funds laws.
The arrest marks a significant event in South Korea's history, as it is the first time a former president and first lady are both behind bars. The former president Yoon Suk Yeol, Kim's husband, has been under arrest and in detention since July 10.
Upon the issuance of the arrest warrant, Kim's Presidential Security Service protection was terminated. She was assigned a solitary cell in prison, measuring 10 square meters, which includes a fan but no air-conditioning. The cell also has a small table for eating and studying, a shelf, a sink, and a toilet, but no bed. Kim can be held for up to 20 days as prosecutors prepare to formally indict her.
Kim can challenge the arrest warrant in court as unlawful, but there appears to be a high risk of evidence destruction, making it unlikely that the warrant will be revoked, and the individual released. Once indicted, Kim could remain detained for up to six months.
Public criticism of Kim was reignited in 2022 when a left-wing pastor filmed himself presenting her with a Dior handbag. This incident added fuel to the growing discontent towards Kim, who is also accused of interfering in the nomination process for MPs in Yoon's party, a violation of election laws.
Kim will have to change into a khaki prison uniform and be given an inmate number. Prosecutors have requested that Kim be detained at a separate facility about 20 kilometers away. The Seoul Central District Court granted the arrest warrant, citing the risk of tampering with evidence.
Kim has made appeals for sympathy while in jail, but the efficacy of those appeals and further developments remain unclear. The detailed investigation findings and specific charges against Kim have not been disclosed in the search results provided.
[1] Search Results Link [2] Appeals Link
The arrest of Kim Keon Hee, South Korea's former first lady, is causing a stir in both general-news and politics, as she is the first former president's spouse to be imprisoned. Her arrest, related to allegations of violations in capital market, financial investment, and political funds laws, is impacting the crime-and-justice landscape in South Korea. [1] This link provides a more in-depth investigation report on the case. [2] If convicted, Kim could face extended detention, but she can challenge the arrest warrant in court and potentially appeal for her release.
