Kim Keonhee Spotted in Wheelchair at Hospital for First Time Since Detention... Also Wearing Electronic Ankle Monitor

Dressed in Patient Attire, in a Wheelchair... Electronic Ankle Monitor on Her Ankle
"Complained of Dizziness Due to Low Blood Pressure... Applied for Outpatient Treatment"
In Response to Allegations of Evading Trial... "Will Attend Regardless of Hea

Kim Keonhee, who is currently in detention, was seen visiting a hospital for an external medical consultation. This is the first time Mrs. Kim has been seen in the media since she was detained at Seoul Southern Detention Center on June 12.

Recently, at a large hospital in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Mrs. Kim was seen entering the consultation room in a wheelchair with the assistance of a staff member. Photo by MBN

On the 18th, MBN reported that Mrs. Kim was seen at a large hospital in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, moving to a consultation room in a wheelchair with the assistance of a staff member. Dressed in patient attire typically worn by detainees, Mrs. Kim was wearing a mask and glasses. She was seen avoiding eye contact with the camera during her transfer. It is presumed that she was wearing handcuffs on her wrists, which were covered by a blanket. An electronic ankle monitor was attached to her left ankle. Since 2023, it has been mandatory for detainees to wear electronic ankle monitors when receiving external hospital treatment.

On this day, Mrs. Kim’s representatives stated, "She received outpatient treatment at the detention center’s hospital due to severe hypotension." It was reported that Mrs. Kim recently applied for outpatient treatment at the detention center as her symptoms of low blood pressure worsened. According to those close to her, Mrs. Kim’s blood pressure dropped as low as 35/70, and she experienced symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and near-syncope.

The Seoul Southern Detention Center explained that a blood test was conducted to determine the necessity of external medical treatment. Mrs. Kim’s attorney stated, "Her blood pressure was measured twice at the detention center," adding, "Due to the possibility of organ failure, a blood test was also performed. Once the blood test results come out the day after tomorrow, we expect to know whether permission for outpatient treatment will be granted."

In response to suspicions of avoiding trial... Mrs. Kim’s side says, "She will attend court regardless of her health condition"

Former President Yoon Seokyeol visiting a hospital in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province to receive ophthalmology treatment. Screenshot from MBN news broadcast

Previously, former President Yoon Seokyeol was also seen visiting a hospital while in detention. Similar to Mrs. Kim’s recent appearance, he was also seated in a wheelchair. Former President Yoon has recently been absent from court hearings due to deteriorating health. This has led to speculation that Mrs. Kim may also be trying to avoid court appearances in a similar manner. However, Mrs. Kim’s representatives emphasized, "She will attend court regardless of her health condition."

Mrs. Kim’s first trial is scheduled for September 24 at 2:10 p.m. The special prosecutor’s team, led by Min Jungki, indicted Mrs. Kim on June 29 on charges of violating the Capital Markets Act (related to the alleged manipulation of Deutsche Motors stock), violating the Political Funds Act (alleged involvement in Myung Taegyun’s nomination), and receiving bribes under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (alleged solicitation involving Geonjin Bopsa and the Unification Church).