Final Hearing Scheduled for the 26th
Verdict Typically Delivered at Least One Month After Final Hearing
Kim Gunhee Admits for the First Time to Accepting Chanel Bags
Bail Hearing Requested for Health Reasons Yet to Be Scheduled
The first trial of Mrs. Kim Gunhee, who was indicted and detained on charges including stock manipulation, intervention in party nominations, and solicitation from the Unification Church, is expected to conclude within this month. Since verdicts are typically delivered at least one month after the final hearing, there is a possibility that the verdict for Mrs. Kim will be announced at the end of December.
The first trial of Mrs. Kim Gunhee, who was indicted and detained on charges of stock manipulation related to Deutsch Motors and allegations of receiving money from the Unification Church, was held on the afternoon of the 24th. Mrs. Kim is entering the courtroom and talking with her lawyer. September 24, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps
The 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Soo Inseong) held the sixth hearing on November 5 for Mrs. Kim, who has been charged with violating the Capital Markets Act, the Political Funds Act, and the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (Bribery for Influence). The court announced that it would conclude witness examinations on the 14th and hold the final hearing on the 26th.
The special prosecutor’s team led by Min Jungki, which is investigating allegations related to Mrs. Kim, brought her to trial in detention on August 29. This marks the first time in history that a First Lady has been indicted and detained. Mrs. Kim faces allegations of participating as a financier in the Deutsch Motors stock manipulation case, intervening in party nominations after receiving free public opinion polling services from political broker Myung Taegyun, and accepting requests and an expensive necklace from the Unification Church through Jeon Seongbae, known as Geonjin Bopsa.
Mrs. Kim has consistently denied all charges. However, on this day, she admitted for the first time to having received two Chanel bags from the Unification Church through Mr. Jeon and apologized. She emphasized, however, that these were not given as compensation for any requests from the Unification Church.
On November 5, Mrs. Kim’s legal team stated, “Mrs. Kim Gunhee acknowledges having received two bags as gifts from Mr. Jeon among the charges. She deeply regrets disappointing the public due to her inappropriate conduct, especially as the spouse of a public official, and is reflecting on her actions.” However, she denied having received a Graff necklace.
The legal team also argued that one of the charges brought by the special prosecutor-bribery for influence under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes-does not apply. They stated, “The special prosecutor claims that Mrs. Kim received requests in exchange for money and valuables, but these requests were never conveyed to Mrs. Kim.”
Previously, on November 3, Mrs. Kim requested the court to allow her to stand trial without detention, citing worsening symptoms of dizziness and anxiety that require appropriate treatment. However, a date for the bail hearing has not yet been set.
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