South Korea's former first lady sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption
The Hindu
Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee sentenced to 20 months for corruption linked to bribes from the Unification Church.
A South Korean court sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison for corruption on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) ahead of the verdict for disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law imposition a year ago.
The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kim for receiving bribes from the Unification Church in return for business favours.
The ruling comes about three weeks before the court delivers its verdict on the rebellion charge against Yoon. The independent counsel earlier demanded the death sentence for Yoon.
The court cleared Kim, who is the wife of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol who was ousted from office last year, on charges of stock price manipulation and violating the political funds act.
The ruling, which can be appealed by the former first lady or prosecutors, comes amid a series of trials following investigations into Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law in 2024 and related scandals involving the once-powerful couple.
Prosecutors had demanded 15 years in jail and fines of 2.9 billion won ($2 million) over accusations that include accepting luxury Chanel bags and a diamond necklace from South Korea’s Unification Church in return for political favours.
Shorts News:Watch: Smoke billows near Dubai airport after drone attack
West Asia conflict disrupts pharma air routes, threatening cancer drug supplies and forcing companies to find alternative shipping methods.
Trump accuses Iran of weaponising AI for disinformation, citing misleading claims about military successes and public support rallies.
Myanmar's Parliament convenes under military control, following a controversial election that reinforces the Army's grip on power.
Trump urges allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but Japan and Australia refuse to send naval support amid rising tensions.
AI-created videos circulating on Elon Musk's X depict American soldiers captured by Iran, an Israeli city in ruins, and US embassies ablaze; a surge of lifelike deepfakes despite a policy crackdown to curb wartime disinformation.
Explore the implications of "no quarter" in warfare, its legal prohibitions, and recent controversial remarks by U.S. officials.
Iran-Israel war: Follow live updates from The HIndu on the West Asia conflict on Marh 16, 2026
Trump warns NATO's future is at risk if allies don't assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil prices.
Nilufer Koc critiques U.S. colonial mindset on Kurdish issues, emphasizing the need for Kurdish rights in Iran's future political landscape.
Taiwan reports a resurgence of Chinese military flights, with 26 aircraft detected near the island after a recent decline.
Israel's Foreign Minister dismisses reports of imminent Lebanon talks, reaffirming alignment with the U.S. in the Iran conflict.
Sri Lanka implements a QR code system to ration fuel sales amid global supply challenges, limiting weekly quotas for vehicles.