Special Prosecutor Urges Immediate Return and Cooperation with Investigation...
Kim's Spouse Hiding Somewhere in Gangnam
Wellbiotech Chairman Lee Kihun, Suspected of Stock Price Manipulation, Flees After Failing to Appear for Warrant Review
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 the 2nd at the special prosecutor's office set up in the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun
The special prosecutor team led by Min Joongki, which is investigating the full range of allegations surrounding Kim Gunhee, has initiated the process for a 'red notice' against Kim Yesung, who is known as Kim Gunhee's housekeeper.
On the 17th, special prosecutor assistant Moon Hongju stated, "Yesterday, we obtained an arrest warrant for Kim, immediately placed her on the wanted list, and today began the process of invalidating her passport through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and issuing a red notice through the National Police Agency."
The special prosecutor team explained that Kim appears to have fled to another country after leaving for Vietnam in April. Moon Hongju said, "We urge Kim to return to Korea immediately and cooperate with the investigation," and added, "Due to the travel ban, Kim's spouse failed to depart for Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, on the 20th of last month and is believed to be in hiding somewhere in Gangnam. We urge her to disclose her whereabouts and contact information to the special prosecutor team and to voluntarily appear for questioning."
Additionally, the special prosecutor team explained that Lee Kihun, chairman of Wellbiotech, who was scheduled for a warrant review this afternoon, did not appear in court and has absconded. Moon Hongju said, "Chairman Lee was scheduled for a warrant review, but he did not appear. It appears he has fled. We currently believe he is on the run. His attorney also does not know his whereabouts, and if there had been a sudden accident or other situation, the court would have been notified."
Chairman Lee is suspected of colluding with former and current executives of Sambu Construction to deceive investors in May and June 2023 by making it appear that Sambu Construction would participate in Ukraine reconstruction projects, inflating the stock price, and then selling their shares to gain hundreds of billions of won in illicit profits.
Moon Hongju also stated that politicians under investigation in connection with the 'Myeong Taegyun Gate' are delaying or refusing to be questioned. Moon said, "Despite being mentioned as key related parties for a long time, there have been cases where individuals have delayed or refused questioning for unjustifiable reasons, such as non-urgent trials or personal matters. We request their cooperation, considering the need to resolve public suspicion."
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