Statement Released Through Attorney After Special Prosecutor's Indictment on August 29
"I Will Not Make Excuses and Will Sincerely Cooperate with the Special Prosecutor's Investigation"
Former President Yoon Sukyeol's wife Kim Gunhee is leaving the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after completing the pre-arrest hearing on the afternoon of August 12, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps
On August 29, for the first time in the history of the Republic, the wife of a former president, Kim Gunhee, who was indicted and detained, shared her first statement from prison. Kim stated, "Right now, I cannot change anything myself, and although new articles pour out every day as if they are established facts, I will not avoid this and will observe everything carefully."
In her statement, released through her attorney, Kim wrote, "I will not turn away from the path given to me and will quietly stand trial. Furthermore, I will continue to appear faithfully for any special prosecutor investigations regarding any charges in the future." She added, "I am truly sorry for causing the public concern in this situation, and every day is only painful for me."
She said she would face future trials and the investigation by the Kim Gunhee Special Prosecutor Team (led by Min Junggi), adding, "I will not make excuses under any circumstances." Kim further stated, "Just as the moon shines brightest on the darkest night, I too will endure this time by looking at my own truth and heart."
Kim expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am thankful to the special prosecutor's investigators who worked hard to investigate the matters for which I was indicted today, and I am also grateful to the correctional officers and attorneys who took care of me during each investigation. I ask for your continued support until the special investigation is complete."
Kim faces charges of participating as a financial backer in the Deutsche Motors stock price manipulation case, receiving free polling services from political broker Myung Taegyun and intervening in nominations, and, through Buddhist monk Jeon Seongbae, allegedly receiving requests from the Unification Church and accepting an expensive necklace, among other allegations.
The special prosecutor's team summoned Kim five times after her detention, but she refused to testify in most of the investigations. It has been 59 days since the official investigation began after the special prosecutor's inauguration ceremony on July 2, and 24 days since Kim's first summons on August 6. Kim has undergone a total of six special prosecutor investigations so far.
Former President Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Geonhee are talking inside a car as they leave the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on April 11, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
The charges applied by the special prosecutor's team in this indictment cover only a small part of the allegations raised against Kim. Recently, the team conducted searches at the homes of Park Sunggeun, former Secretary General of the Prime Minister's Office and son-in-law of the chairman of Seohui Construction, businessman Seo Seongbin, and Lee Baeyong, chairperson of the National Education Commission, securing materials related to suspicions that Kim received a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a Vacheron Constantin watch, and a gold turtle.
Future investigations are expected to focus on whether these individuals provided expensive jewelry and received public office appointments or business favors in return. Depending on the results, Kim may face additional indictments. This is the first time in the country's history that a former first lady has been indicted and detained. Previously, with former President Yoon Sukyeol also standing trial, a former presidential couple is now facing trial while both are in custody.
The following is the full statement from Kim Gunhee
I will not turn away from the path given to me, and I will quietly stand trial.
I am truly sorry for causing the public concern in this situation, and every day is only painful for me.
However, I will not make excuses under any circumstances.
Just as the moon shines brightest on the darkest night,
I too will endure this time by looking at my own truth and heart.
Right now, I cannot change anything myself,
and although new articles pour out every day as if they are established facts,
I will not avoid this and will observe everything carefully.
I am thankful to the special prosecutor's investigators who worked hard to investigate the matters for which I was indicted today, and I am also grateful to the correctional officers and attorneys who took care of me during each investigation.
I ask for your continued support until the special investigation is complete. Kim Gunhee. 2025.8.29
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