Prosecutors Target Yoon Couple: Seoul High, Central, and Southern Districts Launch Simultaneous Investigations... First Search of Private Residence

First Search and Seizure of Former President’s Residence Since 2013 Chun Doohwan Case
Southern District Prosecutors’ Office Secures Kim Keonhee’s Mobile Phone and PC During Residence Raid
Central District Prosecutors’ Office Summons Myung Taegyun to Accelerate Investigation...
Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office Reopens Deutsche Motors Case

On the previous day (April 30), prosecutors conducted their first-ever search and seizure of the private residence of former President Yoon Sukyeol and his wife, prompting observations that the prosecution's stance toward various allegations involving the former president has shifted since his removal from office. This is the first time in 12 years that prosecutors have executed a search and seizure against a former president, the last instance being the search of former President Chun Doohwan's residence in 2013. During Yoon's presidency, Kim Geonhee came under investigation for several incidents, including the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case and the Dior bag bribery case, but was ultimately cleared of all charges.

Former President Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Geonhee are talking inside a car as they leave the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on April 11, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo

This search and seizure was carried out by the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, which is investigating allegations surrounding Geonjinbeopsa. Shin Eungseok, chief prosecutor of the Southern District Prosecutors' Office, is considered a key pro-Yoon figure, having served as head of the Criminal Division 3 when Yoon was chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. After Han Donghoon was appointed Minister of Justice, Shin held positions such as chief of the Uijeongbu and Daegu district prosecutors' offices.

However, the Southern District Prosecutors' Office moved to secure evidence of Jeon Seongbae, also known as Geonjinbeopsa, violating the Anti-Graft Act just 26 days after former President Yoon was removed from office on April 4. In particular, they are tracking circumstances in which a high-ranking official of the Unification Church allegedly delivered a diamond necklace and an expensive bag to Jeon, purportedly as gifts for Kim Geonhee. Although Kim was listed as a reference in the search warrant, it is reported that her personal mobile phone and personal computer were seized during the 6-hour and 40-minute operation. The prosecution targeted the private residence rather than the official residence, where searches had previously been denied, to conduct this first search and seizure.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Lee Changsoo, is also investigating allegations of nomination interference and manipulation of public opinion polls involving the former president and his wife. After taking over the case from the Changwon District Prosecutors' Office, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office summoned "political broker" Myung Taegyun for questioning on both April 29 and 30. In addition, the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, headed by Chief Prosecutor Park Saehyun, who led the investigation into Yoon's alleged insurrection, has decided to reopen the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case involving Kim Geonhee, which the Central District Prosecutors' Office had previously closed without charges, after a six-month hiatus.

Meanwhile, the police have also launched an investigation into former President Yoon. The police have begun probing allegations that a "secret campaign office" was operated at an art gallery in Gangnam, Seoul, rather than at his official campaign headquarters during his presidential run. In addition, the police special investigation team, which is investigating allegations that Yoon ordered the Presidential Security Service to prevent his arrest, is reportedly working with the Security Service to obtain voluntary submission of the "secret phone" server.