Is South Korea's Former First Lady Keon Hee Facing Legal Trouble Over Influence-Peddling Scandal?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee has been summoned for questioning over serious allegations of influence-peddling linked to the 2022 parliamentary by-elections. This case raises questions about political ethics and accountability at the highest levels of government.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Keon Hee faces serious allegations of influence-peddling.
- The case raises significant questions about political ethics in South Korea.
- Prosecutors are prepared to take stringent actions if summonses are ignored.
- The opposition party alleges undue pressure influenced political decisions.
- This situation underscores the importance of accountability in government.
Seoul, May 12 (NationPress) Prosecutors in South Korea have summoned former first lady Kim Keon Hee for questioning this week regarding allegations of influence-peddling related to the 2022 parliamentary by-elections, legal sources disclosed on Monday.
Kim, who is married to impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, received a formal summons from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office to appear as a suspect on Wednesday, as per the sources.
She is charged with breaching the Public Official Election Act and the Political Funds Act amid allegations that she assisted former People Power Party (PPP) Representative Kim Young-sun in securing the party’s nomination for the 2022 by-elections through the actions of Myung Tae-kyun, who is a self-identified power broker. In exchange, he allegedly conducted favorable public opinion polls for Yoon in the lead-up to the 2022 presidential election, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
Additionally, the former first lady is being scrutinized for her role in the PPP's candidate nominations for both the 2022 local elections and the upcoming 2024 general elections.
As of now, Kim has not publicly responded to the summons.
“We have not yet deliberated on our official stance,” a lawyer representing the former first lady informed Yonhap News Agency.
Prosecutors are reportedly contemplating the possibility of seeking a warrant for Kim's detention should she continue to ignore multiple summonses without justifiable reasons.
Earlier in 2025, Kim Keon-hee faced increasing public scrutiny regarding her alleged involvement in the nation’s short-lived martial law decree, with accusations of election interference and text communications sent to an official on the eve of the December incident.
The opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has alleged that the impending threat of public exposure regarding the first couple’s supposed interference in the nomination process for a local parliamentary by-election in 2022 compelled former President Yoon Suk-yeol to initiate this long-considered action.
Point of View
I believe this case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government. The allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee raise critical questions about the integrity of political processes in South Korea. It is essential that the judicial system addresses these accusations fairly and thoroughly, ensuring that justice is served.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Kim Keon Hee?
Kim Keon Hee is accused of influence-peddling related to the 2022 parliamentary by-elections, violating the Public Official Election Act and the Political Funds Act.
What role did Myung Tae-kyun play in this scandal?
Myung Tae-kyun, a self-identified power broker, is alleged to have conducted favorable public opinion polls for President Yoon in exchange for Kim's assistance in securing nominations.
When is Kim Keon Hee scheduled to appear for questioning?
Kim is scheduled to appear for questioning on Wednesday following a summons from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office.
What could happen if Kim fails to respond to the summons?
Prosecutors may seek a warrant for her detention if she continues to ignore summonses without valid reasons.
How has the opposition reacted to the allegations?
The Democratic Party of Korea claims that the threat of public exposure regarding the first couple's alleged interference pressured former President Yoon to act.
