Numerous Pieces of Evidence Found at Residences Linked to Kim Keonhee's Family
Full-Scale Investigation Launched into Alleged Evidence Concealment and Obstruction of Justice
The special prosecutor's team led by Min Jungki, which is investigating various allegations involving First Lady Kim Keonhee, has launched a full-scale investigation into the so-called "Gold Turtle Bribery" allegations surrounding Lee Baeyong, former Chairperson of the National Education Commission.
On September 19, Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim Hyeonggeun stated during a regular briefing, "Earlier this week, we conducted a search and seizure of the office and residence of Mr. Park, who served as secretary to Lee Baeyong during her tenure as Chairperson of the National Education Commission." He added, "We plan to conduct a thorough investigation, including questioning relevant individuals, to determine whether Kim Keonhee was involved in the process of Lee Baeyong's appointment as Chairperson."
Previously, a gold turtle, suspected to have been given by former Chairperson Lee Baeyong as part of a personnel solicitation, was found in a safe owned by Kim Keonhee's younger sibling inside a nursing home operated by Kim's mother, Choi Eunsun.
The special prosecutor's team believes that Kim Keonhee exerted influence during the appointment process of Lee Baeyong as the head of the National Education Commission, which is responsible for designing the nation's mid- to long-term education system. Once the forensic analysis of the materials obtained from Mr. Park is complete, the team plans to summon relevant individuals to verify any connection to Kim Keonhee.
In addition, the special prosecutor's team intends to accelerate its investigation into Kim Keonhee's family. Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim stated, "We will conduct a full-scale investigation into allegations of evidence concealment and obstruction of the investigation by relatives, in connection with the discovery of various items suspected to have been received by Kim Keonhee at the offices of her brother's mother-in-law and her own mother."
Earlier, during a search and seizure of the residence of Kim Keonhee's brother Kim Jinwoo's mother-in-law, the team discovered the painting "From Point No. 800298" by artist Lee Ufan, as well as several pieces of jewelry, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace known as the "NATO necklace." During the search of the nursing home, the team also secured luxury items such as Rolex and Cartier watches.
While Kim Keonhee's side maintains that she has no connection to these items, the special prosecutor's team regards them as material evidence supporting the bribery allegations involving Kim Keonhee. The team is particularly suspicious that Kim Keonhee's family members mobilized to conceal evidence, given that these items were found not at Kim Keonhee's own residence, but at the homes or offices of relatives.
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