Ex-first lady appears for questioning by special prosecutor

Former first lady Kim Keon Hee speaks to reporters after arriving at the office of Special Counsel Min Joong-ki, located at the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno District, Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, appeared at the office of the special prosecutor in central Seoul on Wednesday to address a wide range of corruption allegations. This public summons as a criminal suspect is an unprecedented moment in Korea’s constitutional history, as she is the first former first lady to face this level of prosecutorial scrutiny.

Arriving shortly after 10 a.m., she crossed the photo line outside the building, surrounded by journalists and cameras. There was no escort or formal reception. After standing briefly in front of the assembled reporters, she said, “I apologize to the public for causing concern. I’m just a nobody. I will undergo the investigation faithfully.”

The investigation, led by Special Counsel Min Joong-ki, covers 16 allegations relating to financial crimes, political interference and abuse of power. Investigators are initially focusing on three main charges: her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, intervention in political nominations, and influence-brokering involving a controversial religious group.

At Kim’s request, the session is not being recorded on video. Her legal team has informed the special counsel’s office that she will cooperate fully and provide honest testimony based on her relocation. However, she is expected to deny any wrongdoing.

At the center of the investigation is a stock manipulation scandal involving BMW dealership Deutsch Motors that dates back to 2010. Prosecutors allege that Kim entrusted her and her mother’s trading accounts to a seasoned trader specializing in price manipulation, enabling their use in a coordinated scheme to manipulate prices. Nine others, including former Deutsch Motors Chairman Kwon Oh-soo, have already been convicted. Although Kim had not faced charges until now, the court explicitly referenced her accounts as part of the operation.

Kim Keon Hee arrives at the office of Special Counsel Min Joong-ki, located at the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno District, Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Another key aspect of the investigation centers on allegations of behind-the-scenes interference in candidate selection within the then-ruling People Power Party (PPP). Prosecutors are probing whether Kim or her associates unlawfully promoted certain candidates or obstructed others during the 2000 by-elections and the 2024 general election.

Also under review are allegations that Kim received requests for political favors from individuals associated with the Unification Church. Prosecutors suspect that these requests were passed on by a self-styled spiritual adviser known as “Geonjin Beopsa,” who allegedly acted as an intermediary between Kim and members of the religious group seeking informal access to the presidential office.

Other charges include her failure to disclose luxury items such as a diamond necklace that she wore during an overseas summit, which critics say may have violated asset reporting requirements. Another area of interest concerns former President Yoon’s public denial of her involvement in the stock case during his 2022 campaign, which could be in violation of election laws if it is proven to have been knowingly false.

Wednesday’s appearance is partly seen as a response to criticism of the quiet, closed-door interview conducted by prosecutors in 2023, which led to accusations of preferential treatment. In an effort to avoid renewed backlash, the special counsel’s office has stripped the process of any ceremonial trappings: There will be no tea service, private waiting room or backdoor access.

Although the former first lady’s arrival attracted considerable media attention, she is expected to be questioned behind closed doors for several hours.

Kim Keon Hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, leaves the special counsel's office in Jongno District, Seoul, after undergoing questioning as a criminal suspect over allegations including stock price manipulation involving Deutsch Motors, Wednesday. Newsis

The special counsel’s office has confirmed that the questioning concluded at 5:46 p.m. after lasting for more than seven hours.

Depending on the progress of the investigation, prosecutors said they may summon her again.

According to the team of special counsel Min Joong-ki, Kim has not invoked her right to remain silent and is actively participating in the interrogation. “Her legal status is that of a criminal suspect, and she has not refused to answer questions,” Moon Hong-joo, a deputy special prosecutor, said during a midday briefing.

Kim reportedly brought her own boxed meals for lunch and dinner, declining any food provided by the investigators. After a break following lunch, the questioning resumed at 1 p.m., paused again at 2:39 p.m. and continued after a short rest at 3:10 p.m., according to the special counsel's office.

Kim’s legal troubles add another layer of complexity to her husband’s own situation. Yoon is currently in detention for declaring martial law in 2024 and has remained silent about his wife’s legal situation.

The special counsel’s investigation was launched last month after the National Assembly approved the probe, citing unresolved suspicions that had not been adequately addressed during Yoon’s time in office. The outcome could have significant political repercussions as the country approaches key local elections next year.