First-Ever Simultaneous Detention of Former President and Spouse in Constitutional History
Court: "Concerns Over Destruction of Evidence"
Investigations Gain Momentum Into "Yangpyeong Preferential Treatment" and "Butler Gate"
Special Prosec
Kim Keonhee, wife of former President Yoon Sukyeol, is leaving the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after completing the pre-arrest detention hearing on the afternoon of the 12th. Photo by Joint Press Corps
The special prosecutor team led by Min Jungki has secured the custody of Kim Keonhee, wife of former President Yoon Sukyeol. This marks the first time in the history of the constitution that both a former president and their spouse have been detained simultaneously. With the arrest of Kim, who is considered the central figure in all allegations currently under investigation by the special prosecutor, the probe is expected to gain momentum.
On the night of the 12th, Jeong Jaeuk, the presiding judge in charge of warrants at the Seoul Central District Court, issued an arrest warrant for Kim at the request of the special prosecutor team on charges including violations of the Capital Markets Act. After conducting a pre-arrest detention hearing that lasted approximately four hours and twenty-five minutes, Judge Jeong stated that the warrant was issued due to concerns over the potential destruction of evidence.
The special prosecutor team requested the arrest warrant for Kim on charges of violating the Capital Markets Act, the Political Funds Act, and receiving bribes under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. These charges are related to the alleged stock price manipulation involving Deutsche Motors, alleged intervention in candidate nominations by Myung Tae-gyun, and alleged solicitation involving Geonjin Bopsa and the Unification Church, respectively.
With Kim now in custody, the special prosecutor team is expected to intensify its investigation into the remaining allegations against her. Other ongoing investigations, including suspicions of preferential treatment in the change of route for the Yangpyeong Expressway, alleged development favors in the Yangpyeong Gongheung District, and the so-called 'Butler Gate'-in which 18.4 billion won in investment funds was raised from various companies such as HS Hyosung-are also anticipated to gain further traction.
Kim's detention has increased the likelihood that key figures implicated in the allegations will be more willing to testify regarding her criminal charges. Since Kim, who had previously denied all allegations, was detained on the grounds of possible evidence destruction, related parties are now less able to simply feign ignorance. There is speculation that, out of fear that they too could be detained if they respond in the same manner as Kim, a more cooperative atmosphere may emerge among those involved in the investigation.
It is also favorable for the special prosecutor team that Kim Yesung, a close aide to Kim often referred to as her 'butler,' voluntarily returned to Korea after a period of evasion. As Kim Yesung is believed to have been deeply involved in the accumulation of Kim's wealth, there is a possibility that he may provide new testimony. The investigation into companies that sponsored Kim's exhibition planning firm, Covana Contents-which had been progressing relatively slowly-is also expected to accelerate.
However, there remains the possibility that Kim may adopt a 'stalling strategy,' refusing to cooperate with the investigation while in detention, just as former President Yoon did. In this scenario, the special prosecutor team may have to repeatedly pursue compulsory investigation procedures, such as issuing and executing additional arrest warrants.
Nevertheless, on the morning of the 13th, the special prosecutor team continued to apply pressure by launching a compulsory investigation into 21Gram, an interior design company, and others in connection with suspicions of preferential treatment related to the relocation of the presidential residence. The team stated, "We are conducting searches and seizures at the offices and residences of 21Gram and other related companies and individuals on charges including violations of the Framework Act on the Construction Industry, in connection with the relocation of the presidential residence."
After Yoon took office, unqualified companies such as 21Gram participated in the construction and expansion of the presidential office and residence. 21Gram had previously sponsored exhibitions organized by Covana Contents, the company run by Kim, and was also responsible for the design and construction of Covana Contents' office.
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