Who Are the Two Ex-Judges Joining the Special Counsel Team for Kim Keon Hee's Corruption Case?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant development, two former judges join the special counsel team investigating former first lady Kim Keon Hee's corruption allegations. This article delves into the implications of their involvement, the ongoing investigation, and the controversial luxury gifts linked to the case.
Key Takeaways
- Former judges have joined the special counsel team for enhanced investigation.
- The personnel change is a result of a legal amendment.
- Luxury gifts linked to Kim Keon Hee are under scrutiny.
- The investigation focuses on potential bribery involving the Unification Church.
- Transparency and accountability are crucial in this high-profile case.
Seoul, Oct 26 (NationPress) Two former senior judges have joined the special counsel team probing the corruption allegations against South Korea's ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee, as announced by the team on Sunday. This move comes in light of a recent legal amendment permitting an expansion of personnel.
According to reports, Park Noh-soo and Kim Kyung-ho, now practicing as lawyers, were selected by Special Counsel Min Joon-ki’s team last week, with their appointments sanctioned by President Lee Jae Myung, as noted by the Yonhap News Agency.
Additionally, two assistant special counsels, including Prosecutor Han Moon-hyeok, who previously oversaw the investigation into Kim's stock manipulation claims, will be returning to their roles at the prosecution office. The team clarified that Han's replacement was due to certain undisclosed factors that rendered him unsuitable for the position.
On October 22, Special Counsel Min Joong-ki’s team disclosed that they had obtained luxurious gifts allegedly provided by the Unification Church to Kim Keon Hee in 2022, in exchange for policy favors regarding church matters.
Notably, Shaman Jeon Seong-bae, connected to the bribery accusations against Kim, voluntarily surrendered a Graff necklace valued at 62.2 million won (approximately USD 43,500), along with a pair of Chanel shoes and three Chanel bags, which were reportedly received and later exchanged by the former first lady, through his lawyer to Min's team on Tuesday afternoon, as stated by assistant special counsel Park Sang-jin.
Park elaborated that these seized luxury items closely resemble the high-value gifts given to Kim by a former Unification Church official named Yun, via Jeon, between April and July 2022, in return for soliciting policy favors on pressing church matters.
“We intend to elucidate the circumstances surrounding the transfer, return, and storage of the confiscated items during upcoming court proceedings and will seek additional witnesses,” Park mentioned during a press briefing.
The special counsel team has been diligently tracking the Graff necklace and Chanel bags since the inquiry began but has yet to find definitive evidence linking these items to Kim. They were not located during the team's raid on her residence and office.
Previously, Jeon asserted that he had misplaced the necklace and bags shortly after receiving them. However, he has recently altered his testimony in court, now claiming that Kim was the actual recipient of the luxurious gifts.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach the ongoing investigation into Kim Keon Hee's corruption case with a balanced perspective. The inclusion of former judges in the special counsel team underscores the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation. The public deserves transparency and accountability in matters of governance, and we stand committed to delivering unbiased coverage of this significant event.
NationPress
27/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the newly appointed judges in the special counsel team?
The newly appointed judges are Park Noh-soo and Kim Kyung-ho, both of whom are former senior judges currently practicing as lawyers.
What is the reason behind the personnel expansion?
The personnel expansion follows a revision to the law that permits the special counsel team to add more staff to enhance their investigation.
What luxury gifts are linked to Kim Keon Hee's case?
The luxury gifts include a Graff necklace, Chanel shoes, and Chanel bags allegedly given to Kim in exchange for policy favors from the Unification Church.
What has been the response from the special counsel team regarding the investigation?
The special counsel team has stated they will clarify the circumstances surrounding the delivery, return, and storage of the seized items during court trials.
Is there concrete evidence linking Kim to the luxury gifts?
As of now, the special counsel team has not secured concrete evidence linking the luxury gifts directly to Kim, as they were not found during raids.
