Special Prosecutor Launches Investigation into 'Kim Gunhee Butler Gate'... "Signs of Flight Abroad and Evidence Destruction"

Investigation Launched into Alleged Bribery-Like Sponsorships for Covana Exhibitions

The special prosecutor team led by Min Joongki, investigating allegations related to Kim Gunhee, is set to launch a full-scale investigation into the so-called 'Butler Gate.' Kim, who served as Kim Gunhee's butler, left the country in April. The special prosecutor's team believes Kim fled abroad and plans to consider measures such as invalidating his passport.

Min Joongki, the special prosecutor in charge of the case related to allegations against Kim Gunhee, wife of former President Yoon Sukyeol, is giving a greeting speech at the plaque unveiling ceremony held on July 2, 2025, at the special prosecutor's office set up in the KT Gwanghwamun Building West, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

At a regular briefing on July 9, special prosecutor assistant Moon Hongju stated, "The suspect, Kim, known as the butler, departed overseas in April when media coverage began, and has not returned to Korea since. We have also confirmed that the suspect has changed the addresses of both his office and family members."

He continued, "We believe there are indications of flight abroad and destruction of evidence, so we determined that a prompt investigation is necessary and have recently launched an inquiry. Although we requested a search and seizure warrant, the court dismissed it yesterday on the grounds that the case does not fall under the jurisdiction of the special prosecutor law. We are considering reapplying."

The special prosecutor’s team maintains that, under the special prosecutor law, the 'Butler Gate' case is indeed subject to their investigation. They added, "We are concerned about the possibility of evidence destruction, such as deletion of mobile phone data and documents by those involved and related companies. If such acts are discovered, we will respond strictly."

The 'Butler Gate' case centers on Kim allegedly receiving 18 billion KRW in investments from corporations. The special prosecutor suspects irregularities in how these large investments were secured. Kim reportedly became acquainted with Kim Gunhee in 2010 during a Seoul National University Graduate School of Business program and later served as an auditor at Covana Contents.

Moon stated, "We plan to take measures such as invalidating Kim's passport," and added, "We have also launched an investigation into allegations that, in a similar manner, companies provided bribery-like sponsorships for exhibitions related to Covana Contents."