South Korea’s ex-first lady arrested on corruption charges.

South Korea’s former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, has been taken into custody on multiple charges, including bribery and stock manipulation, despite her denial of all allegations during a four-hour court hearing in Seoul.

The court issued a detention warrant, citing concerns that she may destroy evidence.

This development marks the first instance in South Korea’s history where both a former president and former first lady have been imprisoned, highlighting the country’s track record of holding former heads of state accountable.

Yoon was detained in January to face trial over a failed martial law bid last year that plunged the country into chaos and eventually led to his ouster.

Prosecutors allege that Kim, 52, generated over 800 million won ($577,940; £428,000) by engaging in a price-rigging scheme involving Deutsch Motors’ stocks, a BMW dealer in South Korea.

Although this allegedly occurred prior to her husband’s election as the country’s leader, it continued to cast a shadow throughout his presidency.

Kim allegedly accepted two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace as bribes from the Unification Church in exchange for business favors.

Among other charges, Kim is also accused of interfering in candidate nominations during the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and last year’s general elections.

Kim appeared solemn at Tuesday’s hearing, wearing a black suit and a black skirt.

She made a sincere apology for causing trouble, despite being an individual of no significance, as she told reporters.

During his tenure as president, Yoon vetoed three opposition-led bills that sought a special counsel investigation into allegations against Kim.

He issued his last veto in November, a week prior to declaring martial law. After Yoon’s presidency, a special counsel was established in June following his rival Lee Jae Myung’s inauguration as president.