Seoul: A special counsel team investigating corruption allegations surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee has announced plans to indict her with physical detention on Friday. The announcement was made by Assistant Special Counsel Oh Jeong-hee during a press briefing, confirming earlier reports that the indictment could occur before Kim's pretrial arrest expires on Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this marks a historic moment as it will be the first time that the spouse of a former president stands trial while in custody. Additionally, it will be the first instance of a former presidential couple being tried simultaneously, as Kim's husband and former President Yoon Suk Yeol is also jailed and facing insurrection charges related to his failed attempt to impose martial law in December. Kim is accused of involvement in stock manipulation schemes, meddling in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and 2024 general elections, and receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church through a shaman in exchange for business favors.
Special Counsel Min Joong-ki's team secured a warrant for her arrest on August 12 on charges of violating the Capital Market Act, the Political Funds Act, and a law concerning the acceptance of bribes for mediation. A team official stated that whether these charges will be included in her indictment is "under review" and that further details will be provided at the time of indictment.
Kim has been questioned four times since her arrest, although she has largely exercised her right to remain silent. Earlier, Min's team summoned her for a fifth round of questioning scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. However, Kim's lawyers requested a postponement from Wednesday, citing her complaints of dizziness due to low blood pressure. This marks the third occasion she has sought a delay, each time citing health issues.