Seoul: A special counsel team has put forward a request for an arrest warrant for former first lady Kim Keon Hee, following her interrogation over alleged election meddling and other irregular activities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, special counsel Min Joong-ki's team has filed for the warrant citing violations of the Capital Market Act, the Political Funds Act, and a law regarding the acceptance of bribes for mediation. Assistant special counsel Oh Jeong-hee confirmed during a press briefing that the request was made after determining that the prerequisites for an arrest warrant were met.
A hearing to decide on the issuance of the warrant is scheduled to take place at the Seoul Central District Court next Tuesday, as per legal sources. Kim, the spouse of imprisoned former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was questioned at the special counsel's office on Wednesday. The inquiry focused on her alleged involvement in manipulating stock prices, intervening in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections, and accepting bribes for business favors for the Unification Church.
The charges mentioned in the arrest warrant are believed to be tied to these allegations. Additionally, Kim was reportedly questioned about failing to disclose a high-end necklace in her legally mandated asset declaration, although this charge was not included in the warrant. Kim is reported to have largely denied the allegations leveled against her.
The Criminal Procedure Code outlines that criteria for arrest include concerns about the destruction of evidence and the risk of flight. Min's team is responsible for investigating a total of 16 criminal allegations against the former first lady.