Cho Hyunsang, Vice Chairman of HS Hyosung, Avoids Contact...
Special Prosecutor Urges "Cooperate with Investigation"
Lee Gihun, Vice Chairman of Sambu Construction, on the Run
New Arrest Warrant Issued... Arrest Team Formed
Min Joonggi, 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, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun
The special prosecutor team led by Min Joonggi, which is investigating the full range of allegations against Kim Gunhee, is accelerating its investigation into investment companies in connection with the so-called "Butler Gate" case.
On the 23rd, the special prosecutor team will summon and question officials from Shinhan Bank, Gyeongnam Steel, and JB Woori Capital. On the 24th, they plan to summon officials from Unique and Jungdong Finance. Previously, the team investigated Korea Securities Finance, HS Hyosung, Kakao Mobility, and Kiwoom Securities. However, since Cho Hyunsang, Vice Chairman of HS Hyosung, has not responded to the investigation, the inquiry into HS Hyosung has not yet taken place.
On the 22nd, Special Prosecutor Oh Jeonghee stated at a briefing, "Vice Chairman Cho has not responded to the special prosecutor's contact as of today, and has not disclosed his return or appearance date even through his attorney. We urge him to promptly disclose his return and appearance dates and to cooperate with the investigation."
There are suspicions that investment companies such as HS Hyosung invested 18.4 billion won in June 2023 through the fund operator Oasis Equity Partners (Oasis), despite knowing that IMS Mobility (formerly Be My Car), a rental car company Kim was involved in founding, was effectively in a state of capital impairment. These companies are suspected of investing in Mr. Kim, a close aide of Kim Gunhee, for the purpose of soliciting help in resolving their own business issues.
Subsequently, IMS purchased shares worth over 4.6 billion won in IMS from a company called Innovest Korea, which is known to have been established by Mr. Kim in 2022. Currently, the only internal director of this company is Mr. Kim's wife, Ms. Jeong, raising suspicions that part of the companies' investment funds may have been funneled to Mr. Kim personally.
In addition, the special prosecutor team has obtained a new arrest warrant for Lee Gihun, Vice Chairman of Sambu Construction, who is suspected of involvement in stock price manipulation and fled after failing to appear for a warrant review.
Special Prosecutor Oh stated, "For Vice Chairman Lee, we returned the warrant of arrest that expired today and obtained a new arrest warrant. We will form an arrest team and cooperate with the police to apprehend him swiftly."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
