Why Are South Korean Police and Lawmakers Being Raided in the Ex-First Lady Investigation?
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Synopsis
On July 8, a special counsel team raided the national police agency and lawmakers' residences in Seoul, targeting corruption claims linked to former first lady Kim Keon Hee. This investigation raises questions about political influence and the integrity of the police probe.
Key Takeaways
- Special counsel teams are investigating corruption allegations.
- Raids are targeting key political figures and institutions.
- The Unification Church is implicated in lobbying efforts.
- Former first lady Kim Keon Hee's involvement raises serious questions.
- The integrity of the police and public offices is at stake.
Seoul, July 8 (NationPress) A special counsel team conducted a raid on the national police agency along with the residences and offices of both current and former lawmakers on Tuesday as part of its inquiry into corruption allegations surrounding South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, legal sources disclosed.
According to a statement released to the media, the special counsel team executed a search warrant at the Korean National Police Agency to gather pertinent materials in collaboration with the agency.
The team also sent prosecutors to a police station in Chuncheon, located approximately 75 kilometers northeast of Seoul, to perform search and seizure operations aimed at securing investigation records related to purported overseas gambling by leadership of the Unification Church.
The focus of the investigation seems to be on allegations that the Unification Church, upon becoming aware of a police investigation, engaged in lobbying efforts with influential individuals close to former President Yoon Suk Yeol to obstruct the inquiry.
In June 2022, the Chuncheon Police Station initiated an investigation into suspicions that church leader Han Hak-ja and senior executives gambled around 60 billion won (US$44 million) at casinos in Las Vegas between 2008 and 2011.
The church allegedly acquired information about the investigation, and there are growing suspicions that the probe was suppressed with the assistance of figures supportive of Yoon.
According to reports by Yonhap, the special counsel is expected to investigate whether the church was informed about the police inquiry and if lobbying efforts were made to hinder it.
Earlier that day, the team searched the office and residence of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) Representative Yoon Sang-hyun in Seoul, as well as the home of former PPP Representative Kim Young-sun in the southeastern city of Changwon, sources noted.
Additionally, investigators were probing the residence of former prosecutor Kim Sang-min.
These raids are part of special counsel Min Joong-ki's investigation into claims that the former first lady, spouse of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, interfered in the PPP's candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and the upcoming 2024 general elections.
In connection with the 2022 elections, former President Yoon has also come under suspicion of involvement.
In a previously disclosed phone call, purportedly recorded in May 2022, Yoon suggested to self-identified power broker Myung Tae-kyun that he would instruct Representative Yoon to ensure that Kim Young-sun secures the party's nomination for a district in the 2022 parliamentary by-elections.
Simultaneously, in regard to the 2024 general elections, the former first lady is suspected of attempting to have the former prosecutor nominated for the district formerly held by Kim Young-sun.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this unfolding situation with a focus on transparency and accountability. The special counsel’s investigation into former first lady Kim Keon Hee highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of public office and law enforcement in South Korea. The public deserves clarity and justice.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the special counsel's investigation?
The investigation is focused on corruption allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee and potential lobbying efforts by the Unification Church to derail a police probe.
What was allegedly done by the Unification Church?
The Unification Church is suspected of lobbying influential figures close to former President Yoon Suk Yeol to influence the outcome of the police investigation.
What are the implications of this investigation?
The implications could include significant political fallout, potential legal repercussions for those involved, and critical questions surrounding the integrity of law enforcement.
Who else is under investigation aside from the former first lady?
The investigation also involves current and former lawmakers, including representatives from the People Power Party.
How has the public reacted to the investigation?
Public reaction has been mixed, with many calling for transparency and accountability from political figures amid growing concerns about corruption.
