Lee approves final extension of special counsel probe into ex-first lady
Former first lady Kim Keon Hee attends her corruption trial at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul, Sept. 24. Yonhap
President Lee Jae Myung approved Wednesday a 30-day extension of an ongoing special counsel investigation into allegations surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee, his office said.
A team, led by special counsel Min Joong-ki, has been conducting an investigation into corruption and other charges involving Kim, including her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and meddling in candidate nominations for elections.
Min's team had extended its investigation twice after commencing its 90-day probe on July 2. Under the special counsel law, the investigation can be extended up to three times, and the third and final extension will allow the probe to run through Dec. 14.
The special counsel requested a 30-day extension of the investigation and the president gave his approval after reviewing the matter, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a notice to the press.
"We expect the special counsel to continue conducting a fair and objective investigation in accordance with the law and principles," she added.