S. Korean prosecutors seek 7-yr sentence for ex-first lady Kim Keon-hee

This sentencing demand escalates a politically charged case, potentially reshaping the legal precedent for how spouses of sitting or former presidents are held accountable for influence-peddling. The focus on the abuse of spousal proximity to power signals a broader judicial scrutiny of informal authority, which could have ripple effects on political risk perceptions in South Korea. For market watchers, the open question is whether this case intensifies political instability or sets a clarifying legal boundary, as the appeal court's ruling will likely be a key indicator of how far accountability extends beyond formal office.