Stories from South Korea

The Seoul High Court sentenced Kim Keon-hee, wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, to four years in prison. The ruling comes amid reports of increasing social instability and economic hardship in the region. Some citizens are reportedly digging for gold to survive due to the closure of funding sources. The court ordered a 50 million won fine and the confiscation of high-priced gifts, alongside the recovery of 20.94 million won. The sentence increased from the initial 1 year and 8 months after the court found her guilty of involvement in the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation scheme. The court also found her guilty of bribery charges regarding an 8 million won Chanel bag, ruling that there was evidence of a quid pro quo. However, the court maintained her innocence regarding allegations of commissioning opinion polls due to insufficient evidence of direct financial gain.

SK Hynix shares rose 0.6% during intraday trading to reach a record high of 1,333,000 won. The stock price increase follows the KOSPI index breaking the 6,700 level for the second consecutive day. Samsung Electronics shares fell 1% during the same period. Market sentiment is being influenced by expectations that US-Iran negotiations will eventually lead to an end to conflict. SK Hynix shares rose 0.6 percent to reach a record intraday high of 133,300 won. This amount represents an increase of nearly 3% compared to the previous year. The United States, China, and Russia remain the top three spenders, collectively accounting for more than half of all global military expenditures. Despite this overall increase, American military spending saw a decline in 2025. The company achieved revenue of 52.6 trillion won and an operating profit of 37.6 trillion won.

Cho stated that the province requires practical ability rather than just a prominent name. He criticized the current political landscape, specifically targeting the Democratic Party's nomination processes and the People Power Party's lack of competitive alternatives.

A court in Seoul found a woman guilty of stock manipulation and bribery. Public opinion polls indicate President Trump's approval ratings have dropped to their lowest level since his re-election. The court also ordered a collection of 20.94 million won. The sentence was increased from the initial 1 year and 8 months due to the reversal of the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation charges. The court acknowledged the use of Kim's funds in the initial trial. The court determined that Kim must be viewed as having participated in price manipulation activities. The ruling, delivered by the 15th Criminal Division, increased the sentence from the initial trial. Kim left the courtroom with her head bowed but stated she would follow principles and file a formal appeal immediately.

President Lee Jae-myung stated during a cabinet meeting that South Korea can protect its own security without relying on other nations. South Korean military strength is reported as the fifth largest globally.

Green Cross has passed the preliminary review of the Constitutional Court regarding its lawsuit to cancel administrative fines.

Kim Keon-hee, the wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, is involved in a scandal concerning the manipulation of BMW dealership Dorch Motors. She is married to the jailed former President Yoon Song-nyeol. The prosecution has brought charges against her in relation to these matters. The proceedings are being conducted at the Seoul High Court, according to reports from South Korean media. Both the defense and prosecution have announced appeals following the verdict. The prosecution is also appealing, claiming the court's sentencing was too lenient. A court sentenced Kim Geon-hee to four years in prison and imposed a 50 million won fine. The charges involve receiving expensive items prior to the 2022 inauguration of her husband, former President Yingsang Ngyal. Jung Sang-yool is currently jailed.

Ha Jung-woo, a senior secretary at the Blue House, has submitted his resignation to President Lee Jae-myung. Ha is being recruited by the Democratic Party as a candidate for the Busan Buk-gu Gap district. Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon criticized the move, suggesting that if President Lee directed Ha to run in Busan, it would constitute illegal election interference. Local voters in Busan are reportedly evaluating candidates based on regional engagement rather than party affiliation.

National Power Party lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong received a 2-year prison sentence and a 100 million won fine in a first-instance trial. The ruling upheld the previous decision regarding the illegal fund acquisition. The court ordered a fine of 50 million won and the confiscation of high-priced gifts, plus the recovery of 20.94 million won.

A Seoul-based NGO reported that executions in North Korea rose sharply after 2020 following the country's border closures to prevent coronavirus spread. Offences resulting in the death penalty included criticizing leader Kim Jong-un. The report was discussed on WBUR. Prosecutors have linked the rise in death penalty cases to criticisms of leader Kim Jong-un.