The prosecution investigating allegations of stock price manipulation arising during Kakao's acquisition of SM Entertainment has repeatedly emphasized the need to investigate Kim Beom-su, former chairman of Kakao's board of directors. However, they refrained from specifying a concrete summons date.
On the 16th, a representative from the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office told reporters in response to a question about plans to summon former chairman Kim, "Kim is a 'suspect of market manipulation' and needs to be investigated," adding, "This is an issue currently under investigation as part of the entire case." However, they added, "It is not yet at a stage where we can specify a summons date."
Separately from Kakao's market manipulation allegations, investigations are also ongoing into Kim Sung-soo, CEO of Kakao Entertainment, and Lee Junho, head of the investment strategy division, who are suspected of overpricing related to the drama production company 'Baram Pictures.' Previously, the prosecution requested arrest warrants for both individuals twice, but both were dismissed by the court. A representative from the Southern District Prosecutors' Office said, "We believed there was sufficient evidence to prove the charges and re-requested the warrants, but they were dismissed," adding, "We are conducting supplementary investigations to address any deficiencies." Regarding actress Yoon Jeong-hee, who is Lee's wife and a major shareholder of Baram Pictures, the representative said, "She has not yet been investigated," but added, "If necessary, we plan to take her testimony as a witness."
Meanwhile, in relation to the stock price crash incident triggered by Soci?t? G?n?rale (SG) Securities, which is under investigation by the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, when asked about the possibility of investigating Kim Ik-rae, former chairman of Kiwoom Securities, the representative said, "The investigation is ongoing, and there will soon be an opportunity to provide related information."
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