Former South Korean first lady handed 20-month jail term

A South Korean court sentenced former first lady Kim Keon-hee to 20 months in prison for corruption, ahead of the verdict for disgraced former President Yoon Suk-yeol over his martial law imposition.

The South Central District Court sentenced Kim for receiving gifts from the Unification Church in return for business favours.

The court acquitted Kim of charges of stock price manipulation and political funding law violations, citing a lack of evidence.

Kim's defence team thanked the court for its verdict, but said the prison term was "relatively high". It said it will discuss whether to appeal.

Kim has been in jail since August, with the Seoul court citing the chance she might destroy evidence.