Seoul: A special counsel team announced plans on Monday to indict former first lady Kim Keon Hee this week on charges of corruption and bribery. Kim, the wife of ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is currently detained and was brought to special counsel Min Joong-ki's office for her fourth round of questioning.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim has been largely exercising her right to remain silent during these proceedings. An official from the special counsel's team mentioned that her indictment must occur on or before Sunday, as it marks the end of her court-approved detention. The team is considering Friday as a potential date for the indictment, contingent on forthcoming developments.
Kim is set for another round of questioning scheduled at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. The charges against her involve alleged participation in stock manipulation schemes, interference in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and 2024 general elections, and accepting luxury gifts from the Unification Church via shaman Jeon Seong-bae in return for business favors.
Jeon was also arrested last week and interrogated on the same day, marking his first round of questioning. While Kim has mostly remained silent, Jeon has acknowledged receiving gifts such as a diamond necklace and Chanel bags from the Unification Church in 2022. However, he denied passing them on to Kim, contrary to allegations that these were accompanied by requests to support the church's development projects, broadcaster acquisitions, and a United Nations office in South Korea.
During his questioning on Monday, Jeon reiterated his denial of the allegations.