Why Is South Korea's Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee Being Questioned Again?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, finds herself at the center of a corruption scandal as she faces questioning for the second time. With serious allegations including stock manipulation and bribery, this case has captured national attention and raised questions about the country's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Former first lady Kim Keon Hee is under investigation for serious allegations.
- The inquiry includes stock manipulation and interference in political processes.
- Luxury gifts received are linked to business favors.
- Special counsel investigations are ongoing, with multiple key figures involved.
- The case reflects broader issues of corruption in South Korean politics.
Seoul, Aug 18 (NationPress) The former first lady of South Korea, Kim Keon Hee, who is currently jailed, made her second appearance at the special counsel's office on Monday for further questioning, just days after her arrest on corruption charges.
Kim arrived at special counsel Min Joong-ki's office in central Seoul via a prison van to participate in this questioning session.
Last week, a court issued a warrant for her arrest due to her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, as well as meddling in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and the 2024 general elections. Additionally, she is accused of accepting luxury gifts from the Unification Church through a shaman in exchange for business favors.
During the questioning, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 11:42 a.m., Kim faced inquiries primarily regarding the candidate nominations, with further questioning regarding the stock manipulation case scheduled for the afternoon. Assistant special counsel Oh Jeong-hee informed reporters that Kim mostly chose to remain silent, responding occasionally with, 'I don't know' or 'I don't remember.'
In her initial questioning after her arrest, which occurred last Thursday, she similarly opted to exercise her right to silence, and that session lasted roughly two hours.
This marks Kim's second round of questioning since her arrest the previous Tuesday. Additionally, Kim Ye-seong is facing scrutiny after a Seoul court issued an arrest warrant on Friday over allegations of embezzling 3.38 billion won (approximately $2.4 million) from IMS Mobility, a company in which he holds a stake.
The special counsel team is looking into claims that IMS Mobility unjustly received 18.4 billion won in investments from various firms, including Kakao Mobility Corp., in 2023. Given that IMS Mobility was effectively capital impaired at the time, the prosecutors suspect that the investments were made due to connections to Kim and the former first lady.
There are allegations that Kim may have funneled some of these investments into another company she controls.
The special counsel is also examining the possibility that the embezzled funds or other profits may have been funneled to Kim's family.
Kim refuted claims of acting as a 'butler' for her family's dealings, as well as any involvement her family had in the IMS Mobility investments.
A shaman named Jeon Seong-bae also faced questioning for allegedly delivering luxury items, including a diamond necklace and Chanel bags, to the former first lady on behalf of the Unification Church between April and August 2022. He reportedly conveyed requests for business favors along with these gifts.
Jeon has denied these allegations, claiming he lost the necklace and luxury items before he could deliver them.
On Monday, the special counsel also indicted a significant Unification Church official, referred to as Yoon, accused of delivering these luxury items to Jeon in 2022.
The special counsel is investigating claims that Jeon and Yoon attempted to persuade church members to join the People Power Party to influence its leadership race in 2023, favoring Rep. Kweon Seong-dong.
Jeon and the church official allegedly exchanged messages regarding then-President Yoon Suk Yeol's support for Kweon.
With all three key figures being questioned simultaneously, the special counsel team may conduct a cross-examination if their testimonies conflict.
Point of View
We must approach the unfolding situation involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee with a commitment to integrity and impartiality. The serious allegations against her highlight the need for accountability in governance, reflecting the broader issues of corruption within political systems. Our focus remains on providing balanced coverage while respecting the legal process.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Kim Keon Hee?
Kim Keon Hee faces allegations of stock manipulation, interference in candidate nominations, and receiving luxury gifts in exchange for business favors.
Who is overseeing the investigation?
The investigation is being overseen by special counsel Min Joong-ki, who is leading the inquiry into the corruption allegations.
What is IMS Mobility?
IMS Mobility is a company linked to Kim Ye-seong, who is under investigation for allegedly embezzling funds from it.
How has Kim responded to the charges?
Kim has largely exercised her right to remain silent during questioning and has denied any wrongdoing related to the allegations.
What is the significance of this case?
This case underscores critical issues of corruption in South Korea's political landscape, highlighting the connection between power and business.
