Prosecutors: "First Lady Kim Geon-hee, Investigation Method Stabilized... Predictive and Observational Reporting"

"Investigations Will Be Conducted According to Substance and Severity"

The prosecution investigating allegations of Kim Geon-hee's receipt of luxury handbags stated that reports suggesting they are considering questioning her in a 'third space' are "speculative and observational reports," adding that "no investigation method has been decided."

A Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office official told reporters on the afternoon of the 18th regarding the investigation of Kim Geon-hee, "We plan to conduct necessary investigations according to the evidence and legal principles, proportionate to the substance and severity of the matter." When asked whether Kim would be questioned before the appeal trial, similar to the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case, the official replied, "No method or timing has been decided," adding, "We have questioned multiple people involved in the case, including three presidential office administrators, and necessary investigations into the Deutsche case are ongoing."

Mrs. Kim Geon-hee. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding the 'Democratic Party leadership election cash envelope allegations,' summonses are being requested mainly for former lawmakers. A prosecution official said, "(Current lawmakers) have informed the prosecution that they will be investigated in writing due to scheduling conflicts." The official added, "It is difficult to disclose specific investigation details, but we believe the lawmakers will cooperate and are encouraging them," and "We are considering measures including compulsory investigations."

The prosecution stated that following the Supreme Court's dismissal of former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung's request to consolidate the 'Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance' case from the Suwon District Court into the ongoing trial at the Central District Court, they are actively expressing opinions on the necessity of separate proceedings so that finalized cases can be sentenced first. A prosecution official said, "We have not even started hearings on the Baekhyeon-dong or Seongnam FC cases yet," adding, "For swift trial progress and fact-finding, we hope the Wirye and Daejang-dong cases are heard first and separated for sentencing. We have also submitted opinions to the Central District Court."

Regarding the court's dismissal of arrest warrants requested for two former journalists suspected of large money transactions with Kim Man-bae, the major shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management, the prosecution said, "We are carefully reviewing whether to reapply," adding, "We have explained to the court that some evidence was destroyed."