The Seoul Central District Court has fined Kim Keon-hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, 3 million won for failing to appear as a witness in a trial linked to the “jewelry acceptance” allegations.
Court Action on Non-Appearance
During a trial preparation meeting on the 21st, the court’s 34th Criminal Division, responsible for witness handling in the re-trial, imposed the fine after Kim did not respond to the summons. The division had issued a follow-up summons on the 20th, urging voluntary attendance. Kim presented a reason for her absence, but the court rejected it as insufficient.
Court officials confirm that non-appearance without a valid excuse warrants fines up to 500,000 won per summons. They view the latest penalty as appropriate given the circumstances.
Case Origins and Developments
The proceedings stem from 2022 presidential election scrutiny, when claims surfaced that Kim received a luxury bag from a pastor at an airport baggage claim. YouTuber Channel A Yeollin Gonggam TV highlighted the pastor’s remarks in an interview, sparking widespread attention.
Numerous YouTube channels have covered the re-trial extensively. Observers note that key figures allegedly witnessed the exchange, with one channel framing it satirically. Kim’s testimony was anticipated in the session, but her absence led to its cancellation.
