August 10, 2025 | 09:33 am
Former First Lady of South Korea, Kim Keon Hee, is entangled in a series of legal cases. The wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol is accused of stock manipulation, political interference, and involvement in bribery. The prosecutor dragged her in 16 criminal cases.
As reported by The Korea Herald, Kim underwent her first interrogation on August 6, 2025, in Seoul. The interrogation took place in private without video recording. Kim arrived about 20 minutes late from the original schedule.
"I truly apologize to everyone because someone like me, who is nobody, has caused trouble. I will fully cooperate in the investigation," said Kim as quoted by NHK World Japan.
Special advisor Min Joong-ki, who leads the investigation, is probing 16 cases allegedly involving Kim. Some of them are:
- Deutsch Motors Stock Price Manipulation
Kim is suspected of involvement in illegal trading of shares of the imported car company between 2009-2012. - Receipt of Gifts from the Unification Church
A high-ranking church official, now known as ex-Unification Church, allegedly gave Dior bag and diamond necklace worth about 60 million won (USD 43,000) through an intermediary to lobby support for a church project in Cambodia. - Intervention in the By-Election 2022
Kim is accused, along with her husband, of influencing the nomination of the ruling party's candidate at that time, through political broker Myung Tae-kyun, who received payments of up to 90 million won from a former legislator.
In addition, there are allegations that Kim intentionally did not report the ownership of the luxury necklace she wore when attending the NATO Summit 2022 in her official asset report. This is considered a violation of the transparency rules for the assets of public officials of South Korea.The special advisory team has filed a request for an arrest warrant on August 7 on suspicion of bribery and violation of political funding laws.
This case sets a new history in South Korea. Kim becomes the first former first lady to be investigated as a criminal suspect. Previously, two former first ladies, Lee Soon-ja and Kwon Yang-sook, were summoned by prosecutors, but their status was only as witnesses and the process was far from the media spotlight.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol responded to this development through Facebook. He wrote a message, stating that he should be the only one facing legal intimidation. This message is to keep his wife away from law enforcement investigations.
The special advisory team has until November 29, 2025, to complete the investigation. Other issues including the Seoul Yangpyeong toll road project and the surge in stock prices of Sambu Construction have not been included in the initial examination agenda, so Kim Keon Hee is likely to be summoned again.
Editor's Choice: South Korean President Apologizes for First Lady Controversy, Here Are Kim Keon Hee's Misdeeds
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Thailand Denies Assassination Plot Against Hun Sen and Hun Manet
3 hari lalu
The Thai Ministry condemned the disinformation as a dangerous attempt to sabotage ongoing diplomatic efforts between Thailand and Cambodia.
U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Indonesian Coaches Analyze South Korea's Strengths
5 hari lalu
The Indonesian U-23 national team will face South Korea in the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
South Korea Begins Removing Border Propaganda in Bid to 'Restore Trust' with North
5 hari lalu
South Korea starts removing loudspeakers used to broadcast K-pop music and news to North Korea
Top 5 Culinary Destinations to Visit in South Korea
6 hari lalu
If you are planning to visit South Korea, don't forget to include these five locations for a great culinary experience!
Son Heung-min Announces Departure from Tottenham; Here's His Career Highlights
6 hari lalu
Son Heung-min has celebrated many triumphs during his 10-year time with Tottenham Hotspur.
Trump Announces South Korea Will Pay 15 Percent Tariffs
9 hari lalu
US President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive trade deal with South Korea on Thursday, with tariffs on Seoul set at 15 percent
G-Dragon Appointed Ambassador for APEC South Korea 2025
15 hari lalu
G-Dragon was chosen for his widespread popularity and reputation for creativity and innovation.
Landslides, Floods Kill at Least 14 as South Korea Sees Record Rainfalls
20 hari lalu
Torrential rainfall has been recorded for the past five days across South Korea, triggering landslides and floods.
International Airlines Check Boeing Fuel Switches Following Air India Crash
25 hari lalu
The fuel switch on Boeing 787 Dreamliner has come under scrutiny after the initial report on the Air India crash that killed nearly 300 people in June
South Korean Medical Students to Return to Class After 17-Month Boycott
26 hari lalu
Thousands of South Korean medical students will return to classrooms after a 17-month boycott and strike.
