Special Prosecutor Investigating Deutsche Motors Case Relieved of Duty After Drinking with Kim Gunhee Associate

It has been reported that Han Moonhyuk, the deputy chief prosecutor dispatched to the special prosecutor team led by Min Joongki investigating allegations related to Kim Gunhee, wife of former President Yoon Seokyoul, and who has been investigating the "Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case," has been relieved of his assignment after it was revealed that he had a drinking meeting with an individual previously known as a close associate of Mrs. Kim.

Min Joongki, the special prosecutor in charge of the case related to allegations against Kim Gunhee, wife of former President Yoon Seokyoul, is delivering a greeting at the plaque unveiling ceremony held on July 2, 2025, at the special prosecutor's office set up in the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

On the 26th, the special prosecutor team led by Min Joongki announced to the press, "It has been confirmed that there are facts making it difficult for Deputy Chief Prosecutor Han to continue the investigation, and he will return to the prosecution as of the 27th." This action was taken because Deputy Chief Prosecutor Han privately met and had drinks with Lee Jongho, former CEO of Black Pearl Invest and a key figure in the Deutsche Motors case as well as a close associate of Mrs. Kim, and failed to report this to the special prosecutor team.

According to a statement from Deputy Chief Prosecutor Han, he met Mr. Lee in July 2021 while working at the Second Anti-Corruption Investigation Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, during a dinner with a doctor acquaintance. Afterwards, they moved to the acquaintance's home, where he had drinks with Mr. Lee. However, he explained that at the time, Mr. Lee was not a suspect in the Deutsche Motors case, and he was unaware that Mr. Lee was related to the case.

Additionally, Deputy Chief Prosecutor Han emphasized that he did not exchange business cards or contact information with Mr. Lee at that time, nor did he meet or communicate with him personally afterward. Deputy Chief Prosecutor Han apologized, saying, "I am deeply sorry for causing controversy with my actions."