First Appearance Before Special Prosecutor Since Arrest and Indictment on August 29
Investigation Expected to Focus on "Kim Sangmin Nomination Interference" Allegations
Kim Gunhee's Legal Team Likely to Deny All Charges
Kim Gunhee, who was arrested and indicted on charges including stock price manipulation, intervention in party nominations, and soliciting favors from the Unification Church, appeared before Special Prosecutor Min Jungki's team on September 25. After appearing as a 'defendant' at her first court trial the previous day, Mrs. Kim was summoned by the special prosecutor's team as a 'suspect in bribery' on this day.
The first trial of Mrs. Kim Gunhee, who was arrested and indicted on charges of stock price manipulation at Deutsch Motors and allegations of receiving money from the Unification Church, was held on the afternoon of the 24th. Mrs. Kim is entering the courtroom and talking with her lawyer. September 24, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps
At around 9:49 a.m., Mrs. Kim arrived at the special prosecutor's office located in the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno-gu, Seoul, transported by a Ministry of Justice escort vehicle. This was the first time she had been summoned for questioning since her arrest and indictment on August 29.
Starting at 10:00 a.m., the special prosecutor's team began questioning Mrs. Kim as a suspect under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes for bribery charges. The investigation is expected to focus on allegations that Mrs. Kim received an expensive painting from former Deputy Prosecutor Kim Sangmin and used her influence in the general election nominations in return. The special prosecutor's team is also expected to question whether former President Yoon Sukyeol was aware of these actions in advance.
Former Deputy Prosecutor Kim is accused of purchasing Lee Ufan's painting "From Point No. 800298" for 140 million won and delivering it to Mrs. Kim's brother, Kim Jinwoo, while seeking nominations in the general election in April last year. Mrs. Kim was named as the recipient of the painting in the arrest warrant for former Deputy Prosecutor Kim.
Former Deputy Prosecutor Kim has denied the allegations, stating, "I only brokered the purchase of the painting at Mr. Kim's request." However, on September 18, the court issued an arrest warrant for him at the request of the special prosecutor's team, citing concerns over the potential destruction of evidence.
The crime of bribery is established when a public official receives, demands, or promises a bribe in connection with their duties. Since Mrs. Kim was not a public official, it must be proven that she colluded with a public official, such as former President Yoon, for the charges to apply.
Mrs. Kim is expected to strongly deny the allegations during the investigation. Her legal team also denied all charges at the first trial held at the Seoul Central District Court the previous day.
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