Kim Keon-hee’s last stand? South Korea’s former first lady battles jail time

Kim Keon-hee will be the first presidential spouse to be jailed on criminal charges if the court approves her arrest

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South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee arrives at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday to attend a hearing reviewing her arrest warrant. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:28am, 12 Aug 2025Updated: 10:32am, 12 Aug 2025

South Korea’s scandal-plagued former first lady Kim Keon-hee walked into court on Tuesday, head bowed and looking visibly tense, for a hearing that could make her the first ex-presidential spouse in the country’s history to be jailed on criminal charges.

Wearing a dark jacket and skirt with a white blouse, her hair pulled back, Kim brushed past pool reporters without a word as she climbed the stairs to the courtroom.

A ruling on whether to remand her for questioning or allow her to remain free during the investigation is expected as early as Tuesday night. If the court approves her arrest, it will mean an unprecedented fall from grace for a power broker who once wielded behind-the-scenes influence.

Prosecutors and Kim’s lawyers are expected to clash fiercely over the detention request.

South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee bows as she arrives at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Initially, prosecutors had designated the Seoul Detention Centre – where her husband, Yoon Suk-yeol, is currently held – as her holding facility, but later switched to Seoul Nambu Detention Centre to avoid housing the former first couple together.

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