A South Korean court has sentenced former First Lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes from officials of the Unification Church in exchange for political favors. She was found guilty of receiving a handbag and diamond earrings and was fined 12.8 million won. The court also ordered the confiscation of the necklace linked to the case. Kim has been in custody since August during the investigation.

Kim, wife of ousted former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was acquitted of separate charges related to stock manipulation and political funding violations but convicted in this bribery case. Prosecutors plan to appeal the ruling, while Kim’s lawyers said they will review the Seoul Central District Court’s decision before deciding on an appeal. The presiding judge noted that although the First Lady holds no official authority, the position carries symbolic responsibility and should not set a poor example for the public.

Outside the courthouse, supporters of Yoon and Kim celebrated the verdict despite cold weather. The Unification Church denied expecting any benefit from the gifts, and its leader Han Hak-ja, also on trial, rejected allegations of offering bribes.