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.
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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.
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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.