South Korea’s special prosecutors have sought a 15-year jail term for former first lady Kim Keon-hee, describing her as someone who has long been “beyond the reach of law enforcement”.
Kim, the wife of impeached ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol, faces multiple corruption allegations, including stock manipulation, bribery and illegal electioneering.
The court’s verdict is set for January 28.
The demand on Wednesday came about three months after Kim was indicted – just a year following Yoon’s botched December 3 martial law bid, which ultimately led to his impeachment and removal from office.
Kim, 53, was at the centre of a string of influence-peddling and bribery scandals throughout her husband’s term.
With a December 26 deadline looming for the special inquiry, prosecutors have accelerated investigations into additional allegations involving Kim.
“Only the defendant has existed outside the law, standing above it,” a special prosecutor said at the Seoul Central District Court.
