Charges Include Violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (Embezzlement)
Kim Yeseong: "The Special Prosecutor's Investigation Is a Witch Hunt"
Arrested Upon Return from Vietnam on August 12
The special prosecutor's team led by Min Jungki, which is investigating various allegations surrounding First Lady Kim Keonhee, requested an arrest warrant for Kim Yesung-known as Kim's "butler"-on August 14.
In a press release that afternoon, the special prosecutor's team stated, "Today, we have requested an arrest warrant for Kim Yesung, the suspect in the so-called 'Butler Gate' case, on charges including violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement)."
Kim, who abruptly left for Vietnam in April after former President Yoon Sukyeol was removed from office, returned to Korea on August 12 and was arrested by the special prosecutor's team at Incheon Airport. If an arrest warrant is not requested within 48 hours of detention, investigative authorities must release the suspect.
It is presumed that Kim was responsible for managing the finances of the First Lady's family. Depending on the statements he provides to the special prosecutor's team, the related investigation could rapidly gain momentum.
Kim is a central figure in the "Butler Gate" scandal, which is the main focus of the special prosecutor's investigation. Butler Gate refers to suspicions that IMS Mobility (formerly Be My Car), a rental car company that Kim Yesung-known as the First Lady's butler-helped establish, was essentially in a state of capital erosion. Despite this, investors such as HS Hyosung invested 18.4 billion won in June 2023 through the fund management company Oasis Equity Partners (Oasis). It is alleged that these companies made the investment to seek favors for resolving business issues by channeling funds to Kim, a close aide of the First Lady.
After suddenly leaving for Vietnam in April, Kim repeatedly ignored the special prosecutor's summons. The special prosecutor's team viewed this as an attempt to flee, invalidated his passport, and initiated an Interpol Red Notice. Kim's spouse was also banned from leaving the country.
Upon being transferred to the special prosecutor's office on August 12, Kim stated, "I have nothing to hide and have never been involved in any wrongdoing or illegal activity," adding, "(The special prosecutor's investigation) is a witch hunt."
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