Kim Keonhee to Appear Before Special Prosecutor on August 6, Will Stand for Photo Line
Park Jiwon: "She Must Be Detained, Even if an Arrest Warrant Is Issued"
Special Prosecutor's Team Plans Investigation Without Special Privileges
On August 6, as Kim Keonhee, wife of former President Yoon Sukyeol, appeared before the special prosecutor Min Jungki’s team for questioning as a suspect, Park Jiwon, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, asserted, “(Kim) must be detained. She should spend the night in a detention center.” In an interview on YTN Radio’s “Shin Yul’s News Frontline” on August 5, Park stated, “There are 16 issues currently under investigation by the special prosecutor,” and added, “I believe she should be detained, even if it requires issuing an arrest warrant.”
Former President Yoon Sukyeol and First Lady Kim Gunhee are talking inside a car as they leave the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, last April. Photo by Yoon Dongju
Regarding the incident on August 1, when the special prosecutor attempted to execute an arrest warrant for former President Yoon but failed because he resisted by removing his prison uniform, Park criticized, “In the Land of Courtesy in the East, even if someone is undressed, they put on clothes when guests arrive,” and continued, “This has brought national disgrace. How can a person who has served as president behave in such a manner?” He further speculated, “Perhaps the special prosecutor is taking a pause to consider public opinion,” and predicted that former President Yoon is unlikely to voluntarily appear before the authorities.
In response to Kim Gyeri, the attorney representing former President Yoon, who cited health concerns such as diabetes and the risk of blindness, Park commented, “There are laws in both detention centers and prisons,” and added, “There are also medical departments there, and treatment outside is possible, so the attorney does not need to be so accommodating.”
Kim Keonhee is scheduled to appear as a suspect before the special prosecutor’s team at KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno-gu at 10 a.m. on August 6. This marks the first time a current or former president’s spouse has publicly appeared as a suspect before an investigative agency. Kim is also expected to walk past the photo line set up in front of the building’s main entrance.
According to the special prosecutor law, there are as many as 16 criminal allegations against Kim to be investigated. The special prosecutor’s team is reportedly planning to focus its questioning on suspicions of stock manipulation involving Deutsche Motors, allegations of nomination interference by Myung Taegyun, and solicitation suspicions involving Geonjin Bopsa. In addition, suspicions remain regarding stock manipulation involving Sambu Construction, route changes for the Yangpyeong Expressway, and preferential treatment in the development of the Yangpyeong Gongheung District, making it likely that Kim will be summoned multiple times in the future.
The special prosecutor has decided to treat Kim as a regular suspect without any special privileges. At a briefing on August 5, special prosecutor Oh Junghui stated, “There are no plans for customary practices such as tea time,” and added, “The investigation will proceed according to standard procedures, in accordance with the law and principles.” In a statement submitted last month, Kim’s side requested that the questioning be divided by charge or that it conclude before 6 p.m., citing concerns about her ability to undergo lengthy questioning in one session. However, the special prosecutor responded, “The investigation will proceed in accordance with the law and principles.”
The special prosecutor also stated, “The letter of appointment for former President Yoon’s defense attorney has been received, and discussions will be held regarding the schedule and method of summoning and questioning,” and clarified that there are no plans to execute an arrest warrant by August 6.
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