Why Does South Korea's Special Counsel Request Different Detention for Ex-First Lady?
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Synopsis
In a historic move, South Korean Special Counsel Min Joong-ki has requested the separation of detention for former first lady Kim Keon Hee from her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol. This unprecedented situation raises critical questions about the implications for the country's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Former first lady Kim Keon Hee may face arrest for serious allegations.
- Request for separate detention from her husband Yoon Suk Yeol raises questions.
- This situation could mark a first in South Korean history.
- The Seoul Central District Court will hold a crucial hearing soon.
- Yoon's trial continues without his attendance due to health issues.
Seoul, Aug 11 (NationPress) The team of South Korean Special Counsel Min Joong-ki announced on Monday that they have formally requested for former first lady Kim Keon Hee to be held at a different detention facility from that of her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, should an arrest warrant be issued against her.
Last Thursday, Min's team sought a warrant for Kim after questioning her regarding her alleged participation in a scheme to manipulate stock prices, interference in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections, and accepting bribes in exchange for favors related to the Unification Church.
The Seoul Central District Court is set to conduct a hearing on Tuesday to assess the issuance of the warrant, which includes allegations of violating the Capital Market Act, the Political Funds Act, and laws regarding bribery.
“At Seoul Detention Centre's request, we have submitted an application to the court for a change of venue for her detention from the Seoul Detention Centre to the Seoul Southern Detention Centre,” the special counsel's team informed the media.
Initially, Kim was expected to be taken to the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, just south of the capital, after attending the hearing on Tuesday to await the court's decision.
The request to transition to the Seoul Southern Detention Centre in southwestern Seoul appears to be due to her husband being held at the Seoul Detention Centre over an unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law last December, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
If Kim is subsequently arrested, it would mark the first instance in South Korean history where a former presidential couple is imprisoned at the same time.
Earlier on the same day, the insurrection trial of incarcerated former President Yoon Suk Yeol proceeded without his presence for the fourth consecutive instance.
The Seoul Central District Court held a scheduled trial hearing for the first time since July 24, following a two-week summer recess for all courts, but Yoon did not make an appearance.
The former president is on trial for allegedly leading an insurrection and misusing his power during the brief imposition of martial law in December.
Since being incarcerated for the second time regarding the martial law plan on July 10, he has opted not to attend the hearings, citing health concerns.
His legal team has indicated that he has been experiencing significant discomfort since last Thursday when investigators from Min Joong-ki's team attempted to physically escort him from his detention facility for questioning regarding election interference allegations involving him and his wife, Kim Keon Hee.
Point of View
It is crucial to observe the unfolding situation involving the former first couple with an unbiased lens. The implications of their legal troubles resonate deeply within the political fabric of South Korea, warranting careful analysis and reporting that prioritizes the public's right to know while respecting the legal processes in place.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges are being brought against Kim Keon Hee?
Kim Keon Hee faces allegations of stock price manipulation, meddling in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections, and accepting bribes linked to the Unification Church.
Why is Kim Keon Hee's detention location significant?
The request for her to be detained separately from her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, highlights the unprecedented nature of their legal challenges, marking a historic moment in South Korea's political history.
What is the current status of Yoon Suk Yeol's trial?
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol is undergoing trial for accusations of leading an insurrection and abusing power during an attempted martial law implementation, but he has not attended recent hearings due to health issues.
