South Korea’s Former First Lady Sentenced to 20 Months for Bribery

• Jan 28, 2026

South Korea’s former first lady has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes, ending a high-profile corruption case.

Choi Soon-sil, who played a central role in a political scandal that led to the impeachment of ex-President Park Geun-hye, was found guilty of using her influence to solicit funds from major businesses. During the trial, prosecutors argued that Choi abused her position to extract money from corporations, securing favors for herself and her family.

The court’s ruling follows years of legal battles surrounding one of South Korea’s most notorious corruption cases. Choi’s involvement in political decisions and alleged manipulation of government affairs prompted widespread public outrage and mass protests across the country in 2016 and 2017. These events ultimately contributed to President Park’s removal from office.

In a statement released in December, Choi acknowledged her wrongdoing, saying: “When I consider my role and the responsibilities entrusted to me, it seems clear that I have made many mistakes.” She expressed remorse for her actions, though the scale of public anger over the scandal meant the court imposed a custodial sentence rather than a suspended term.

The bribery charges centered on Choi’s ties with several major South Korean conglomerates, known as chaebols, including Samsung and Lotte. Evidence presented in court indicated that these companies had provided Choi with funds, gifts, and favors, often under pressure from government officials, to secure advantages or approval for projects. Choi then allegedly used her influence over the presidency to benefit these companies.

This conviction marks a continuation of accountability efforts in South Korea, where corruption scandals involving senior political figures and business leaders have repeatedly prompted public protests and legal scrutiny. Analysts say the case underscores ongoing challenges in curbing undue influence in politics and business, highlighting the importance of transparency and rule of law.

Choi’s sentence also serves as a warning to other influential figures in South Korea, demonstrating that misuse of power and public trust carries serious legal consequences. Her imprisonment is expected to have lasting political and social repercussions, reinforcing public demand for clean governance and ethical conduct in public office.