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South Korean prosecutors claimed on Monday that wife of impeached president Yin Xiyeol He allegedly accepted bribes totaling more than $200,000 and interfered in state affairs.
The special counsel’s investigation of the former first lady concluded on Sunday, amid a yearlong investigation into the disgraced president’s brief imposition of martial law last year and scandals surrounding the once-powerful couple.
Kim Keon Hee was arrested and jailed in August investigation for Suspected of manipulating stocks and accepting gifts From the cult-like Unification Church. She has also been accused of election interference.
Earlier this month, prosecutors sought a 15-year prison sentence for Ms Kim, who denied wrongdoing and apologized to the public at a court hearing for concerns raised by her behavior.
Special prosecutor Min Joong-ki said at a press conference concluding the investigation that Ms. Kim “used her status as the president’s spouse to receive money and valuables and was extensively involved in various personnel appointments and nominations.”
Prosecutors said she “illegally interfered in state affairs behind the scenes and out of public view,” adding that she received bribes from businesses and politicians totaling $263,000.
Ms King has previously said the charges were “grossly unfair”. “However, when I considered my role and the responsibilities given to me, it became clear that I had made a number of mistakes,” she claimed.
The lower court is expected to rule on Ms Kim’s case on January 28.
Ms. Kim’s lawyers said in a statement on Monday that “the investigation will not end because someone has the final say, but will ultimately be completed with evidence being presented in court,” adding that they will work “to ensure that procedural legality and defense rights are thoroughly safeguarded so that the facts are not exaggerated or distorted into a political frame.”
Prosecutors are also trying Unification Church leader Han Hak-jae over her organization’s alleged supply of valuables, including Chanel bags and diamond necklaces, to Ms. Kim as part of a bid to gain influence.
Ms. Kim is also said to have received a painting by the famous Korean minimalist painter Lee Ufan, a Dior handbag and a watch.
Ms. Han denied directing her church to bribe the then-first lady.
Assistant Special Prosecutor Kim Hyung-geun said, “Various people who had nothing in common with each other visited Kim Gun-hee instead of the president, asked for what they wanted, and provided money and items. “As a result, their demands were fulfilled.”
Mr Yin is on trial for plotting a rebellion as martial law was imposed late last year, a charge that could mean life in prison or even the death penalty. He denies the accusations.
A lower court ruling against Mr. Yin is expected early next year.