South Korean prosecutors on Thursday filed a request for a detention warrant against former first lady Kim Keon Hee on charges including bribery, stock manipulation, and illegal political influence. The move escalates a series of special investigations targeting both Kim and her husband, ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached in April following a failed imposition of martial law.
Kim, 52, appeared for questioning on Wednesday at the special prosecutor's office on charges that include stock fraud, bribery, and illegal influence peddling. In brief remarks to reporters, she apologized for causing concern but did not respond to questions about the allegations. Her legal team has denied the allegations against her.
The arrest request follows multiple allegations, including claims that Kim received a necklace and other gifts through a shaman acting on behalf of a Unification Church official seeking business favors. Investigators also suspect her involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme and in meddling with conservative party candidate nominations during the 2022 parliamentary by-elections.
Oh Jeong-hee, spokesperson for the special prosecutor's team, confirmed that the warrant lists violations of financial market regulations, political funding laws, and bribery statutes. "Minimum force" was used in the execution of related warrants, Oh said at a Thursday briefing.
Investigators simultaneously attempted to compel Yoon, 64, to attend questioning over his wife's charges, marking the second such attempt in a week. According to Oh, the operation was halted due to concerns for Yoon's safety after he "strongly resisted." The Justice Ministry confirmed Yoon later complained of shoulder pain but was found to have no injuries after medical examination.
Yoon's attorney, Song Jin-ho, described the scene as a "violent attempt" to force Yoon into cooperation, claiming that over 10 officials "wrestled" with the former president for over an hour. "(Yoon) pleaded that his arms would fall off and please let him go," Song told reporters. He said Yoon was dropped to the floor when officials lifted the chair he was seated in.
Yoon has refused to appear at his ongoing insurrection trial and has claimed through legal counsel that he is the target of a politically motivated prosecution. His failed declaration of martial law in December-during what he framed as a standoff with "anti-state" liberal forces-plunged South Korea into months of political instability. He was later arrested and is now facing charges of rebellion, with the potential for life imprisonment or the death penalty.
President Lee Jae Myung, who took office following a snap election in June, authorized three special investigations focused on Yoon's December martial law decree, his wife's corruption allegations, and the alleged government cover-up of a marine's 2023 drowning death during a flood rescue.
During his presidency, Yoon dismissed calls to investigate Kim, characterizing the accusations as politically driven attacks. His administration faced regular public scrutiny over her role, with several scandals reportedly overshadowing his brief and tumultuous tenure.
