The wife of South Korea's jailed former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been taken into custody amid serious allegations, including stock manipulation and bribery. Kim Keon Hee vehemently denied all accusations during a lengthy four-hour court hearing in Seoul on Tuesday. However, the court decided to issue a detention warrant, citing concerns that she might destroy evidence related to the case.
South Korea has seen a troubling trend with former leaders facing legal troubles; however, this marks the unprecedented scenario where both a former president and first lady have been imprisoned simultaneously. Yoon Suk Yeol was detained in January due to his involvement in a failed martial law attempt, which led to widespread unrest and his eventual removal from office.
Prosecutors claim that Kim, aged 52, illegally profited approximately 800 million won (equivalent to around $577,940 or £428,000) through her engagement in a stock price-rigging plot involving Deutsch Motors, a local BMW dealer. While these acts allegedly occurred prior to her husband’s inauguration, allegations continue to loom over his administration during its duration.
Additionally, Kim has been accused of receiving luxury items such as Chanel bags and a diamond necklace as bribes from the controversial Unification Church in return for business favors. Other accusations against her include interfering with candidate selections for parliamentary by-elections in 2022 as well as the general elections that took place last year.
Appearing somber in court, Kim wore a black suit and skirt and offered an apology, stating, "I sincerely apologize for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance," as she faced the media. During Yoon’s presidency, he had vetoed three opposition-led bills that aimed to investigate the allegations surrounding Kim, with his last veto occurring just a week before he declared martial law.
Following a change in leadership, a special counsel was initiated in June after Lee Jae Myung, Yoon’s political rival, assumed the presidency. The unfolding saga continues to shake the very foundations of South Korean politics.
South Korea has seen a troubling trend with former leaders facing legal troubles; however, this marks the unprecedented scenario where both a former president and first lady have been imprisoned simultaneously. Yoon Suk Yeol was detained in January due to his involvement in a failed martial law attempt, which led to widespread unrest and his eventual removal from office.
Prosecutors claim that Kim, aged 52, illegally profited approximately 800 million won (equivalent to around $577,940 or £428,000) through her engagement in a stock price-rigging plot involving Deutsch Motors, a local BMW dealer. While these acts allegedly occurred prior to her husband’s inauguration, allegations continue to loom over his administration during its duration.
Additionally, Kim has been accused of receiving luxury items such as Chanel bags and a diamond necklace as bribes from the controversial Unification Church in return for business favors. Other accusations against her include interfering with candidate selections for parliamentary by-elections in 2022 as well as the general elections that took place last year.
Appearing somber in court, Kim wore a black suit and skirt and offered an apology, stating, "I sincerely apologize for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance," as she faced the media. During Yoon’s presidency, he had vetoed three opposition-led bills that aimed to investigate the allegations surrounding Kim, with his last veto occurring just a week before he declared martial law.
Following a change in leadership, a special counsel was initiated in June after Lee Jae Myung, Yoon’s political rival, assumed the presidency. The unfolding saga continues to shake the very foundations of South Korean politics.
