Did Special Counsel Raid Home of Minor Party Leader in Investigation of Former First Lady?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A significant political event unfolded in South Korea as special counsel raided the home of minor party leader Lee Jun-seok. This investigation is tied to former first lady Kim Keon Hee's alleged election interference, raising questions about political motivations and the integrity of upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Special counsel raids Lee Jun-seok's home as part of election meddling investigation.
- Lee Jun-seok is a key figure in the allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
- Investigators are seeking evidence related to the 2022 and 2024 elections.
- Political motivations behind the raid have been questioned by Lee.
- Upcoming elections are under scrutiny due to these allegations.
Seoul, July 28 (NationPress) A team of special counsel conducted a raid on the residence of minor party leader Lee Jun-seok on Monday as part of the inquiry into the alleged election interference by South Korean former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
Investigators from special counsel Min Joong-ki's team searched the New Reform Party (NRP) leader's home in the northern Nowon district of Seoul, along with his office, to collect documents and digital files, according to assistant special counsel Oh Jeong-hee during a press conference.
Lee is identified as a suspect in the election interference case related to the 2022 parliamentary by-elections, Oh noted. For the upcoming 2024 general elections, he is expected to serve as a key witness.
Both investigations involve claims that former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, allegedly influenced the nomination process of candidates for the People Power Party (PPP) via self-identified power broker Myung Tae-kyun.
During the 2022 elections, Lee was at the helm of the PPP, while he led the NRP in the 2024 elections, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The special counsel is attempting to validate claims that Lee met with Myung and former PPP Representative Kim Young-sun prior to the April 2024 general elections to negotiate a potential deal involving Kim Young-sun's public revelation of the former first lady's alleged election interference in exchange for the NRP's nomination of Kim for a proportional representation seat.
Yoon has been summoned for questioning on Tuesday concerning the election nominations.
The special counsel has stated that it has yet to receive any response from Yoon, although he reportedly plans to be absent due to health issues.
In the meantime, Lee criticized the special counsel's raid as “politically motivated” and questioned the timing of the search, which occurred just one day after he regained leadership of the NRP he founded.
“The timing (of the raid) raises significant suspicions from our viewpoint,” Lee stated on cable broadcaster Channel A's YouTube channel. “Is it truly necessary to suddenly conduct a raid when I am not even a suspect caught in the act?”
Lee pointed out that he had already appeared before prosecutors last November as a reference witness and provided clear statements denying the allegations against him.
The party's supreme council had intended to conduct its first meeting since Lee's reelection, but it was canceled due to the raid.
Point of View
We believe that the integrity of the electoral process is paramount. The ongoing investigation into the alleged meddling by former first lady Kim Keon Hee and the implications for political figures like Lee Jun-seok highlight the need for transparency and accountability in our democratic system. We stand with the nation in advocating for fair elections and justice.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the raid on Lee Jun-seok's home?
The raid was part of a special counsel investigation into allegations of election interference involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
Who is Lee Jun-seok?
Lee Jun-seok is the leader of the New Reform Party and has previously led the People Power Party during the 2022 elections.
What are the allegations against Kim Keon Hee?
Kim Keon Hee is accused of interfering in the nomination process for candidates of the People Power Party.
What is the significance of this investigation?
This investigation raises concerns regarding the integrity of South Korea's electoral process, especially with upcoming elections.
How has Lee Jun-seok responded to the raid?
Lee criticized the raid as politically motivated, questioning its timing after his recent reelection as NRP leader.
