Execution of Kim Geon-hee's Accompaniment Order Fails... Opposition Party "Will Ensure Attendance"

Barricades Erected in Front of Yongsan Presidential Residence

Opposition lawmakers belonging to the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee headed toward the Yongsan Presidential Residence to execute a summons order for First Lady Kim Keon-hee, wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol, but were blocked by the police.

Democratic Party lawmakers Lee Seong-yoon, Lee Geon-tae, and Jang Gyeong-tae, members of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, were blocked by police forces and Blue House security personnel while moving near the presidential residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 21st to deliver a summons for Kim Geon-hee to the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Photo by Kang Jin-hyeong

On the 21st, Democratic Party lawmakers Jang Kyung-tae, Lee Sung-yoon, and Lee Geon-tae, along with National Assembly staff, visited the Yongsan Presidential Residence in Seoul to serve the summons order to the First Lady. However, police and barricades were stationed at the entrance of the presidential residence, preventing entry and the delivery of the summons order.

The opposition protested that the execution of the summons order was blocked by the use of public authority. Lawmaker Lee Geon-tae said, "They are using physical force to block the summons order to protect the First Lady," adding, "Public authority is being exercised for private interests. This symbolically proves the First Lady's sanctuary."

The Legislation and Judiciary Committee held a plenary session that morning and adopted First Lady Kim and her mother, Choi Eun-soon, as witnesses for the Supreme Prosecutors' Office national audit. When Kim and Choi did not appear, the opposition-led motion to issue a summons order was tabled and approved. The ruling party opposed the opposition's unilateral issuance of the summons order. Kwon Kyu-taek of the People Power Party criticized, "It is nothing but an attempt to embarrass."

Going forward, the Democratic Party is expected to increase pressure on First Lady Kim, who is suspected of stock manipulation related to Deutsche Motors, allegations of receiving luxury bags, and interference in the nomination process for the 22nd general election. Lawmaker Lee Sung-yoon said, "Refusing the summons order does not hide the truth," and added, "We will make sure to have her appear before the Legislation and Judiciary Committee to testify."