The latest developments highlight the ongoing political turbulence in South Korea, with significant implications for former leadership.
Wife of Jailed Ex-President of South Korea Faces Arrest on Serious Charges
Wife of Jailed Ex-President of South Korea Faces Arrest on Serious Charges
Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee apprehended over stock manipulation and bribery allegations.
The wife of South Korea's incarcerated former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been taken into custody following a series of serious allegations including stock manipulation and bribery. Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady, categorically denied the claims during a tense four-hour court session in Seoul on Tuesday. Despite her denials, the court granted the issuance of a detention warrant, citing concerns that she might tamper with evidence.
This marks a significant moment in South Korea's political landscape as it is unprecedented for both a former head of state and the first lady to face imprisonment simultaneously. Yoon Suk Yeol has been in detention since January, facing trial for his controversial attempt to impose martial law last year—a move that ultimately led to his removal from office.
Prosecutors allege that Kim, 52, profited approximately 800 million won (around $577,940 or £428,000) through a collusion scheme related to the shares of Deutsch Motors, a prominent BMW dealership in South Korea. Although these dealings reportedly occurred prior to her husband's presidency, they have continued to cast a long shadow over his administration. In addition, Kim is accused of receiving bribes, such as luxury Chanel bags and a diamond necklace from the contentious Unification Church, purportedly in return for favorable business treatment.
Further charges suggest Kim may have influenced candidate nominations during the parliamentary elections of 2022 and the general elections that followed. Dressed in understated black attire, Kim appeared grave at the hearing, where she communicated her regrets to the media, expressing, "I sincerely apologize for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance."
During his time in office, Yoon exercised his veto power against three bills proposed by the opposition to launch special counsel investigations into his wife's alleged misconduct, with the final veto occurring just a week before he declared the martial law. Following the rise of his political opponent, Lee Jae Myung, a special counsel was initiated in June, prompting fresh scrutiny into the couple's activities.
This marks a significant moment in South Korea's political landscape as it is unprecedented for both a former head of state and the first lady to face imprisonment simultaneously. Yoon Suk Yeol has been in detention since January, facing trial for his controversial attempt to impose martial law last year—a move that ultimately led to his removal from office.
Prosecutors allege that Kim, 52, profited approximately 800 million won (around $577,940 or £428,000) through a collusion scheme related to the shares of Deutsch Motors, a prominent BMW dealership in South Korea. Although these dealings reportedly occurred prior to her husband's presidency, they have continued to cast a long shadow over his administration. In addition, Kim is accused of receiving bribes, such as luxury Chanel bags and a diamond necklace from the contentious Unification Church, purportedly in return for favorable business treatment.
Further charges suggest Kim may have influenced candidate nominations during the parliamentary elections of 2022 and the general elections that followed. Dressed in understated black attire, Kim appeared grave at the hearing, where she communicated her regrets to the media, expressing, "I sincerely apologize for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance."
During his time in office, Yoon exercised his veto power against three bills proposed by the opposition to launch special counsel investigations into his wife's alleged misconduct, with the final veto occurring just a week before he declared the martial law. Following the rise of his political opponent, Lee Jae Myung, a special counsel was initiated in June, prompting fresh scrutiny into the couple's activities.
