Six Charges Likely to Be Pursued
Alleged Involvement in Myung Taegyun's Nomination and Bribery
Kim Keonhee Largely Refuses to Testify
Former President Yoon Seokyoul appeared before Special Prosecutor Min Jungki’s team on December 20 for his first interrogation as a suspect. Yoon’s legal team claimed that he was “completely unaware” of Kim Keonhee’s receipt of jewelry.
Yoon, who is currently detained at the Seoul Detention Center, arrived at the special prosecutor’s office located in the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno District at around 9:30 a.m. on a Ministry of Justice transport vehicle.
This is the first suspect interrogation of former President Yoon since the special prosecutor’s team launched its investigation on July 2. Considering that the investigation period ends on December 28, it is likely to be the final interrogation as well.
Yoo Jeonghwa, Yoon’s attorney, responded to reporters’ questions about whether Yoon was aware of Kim Keonhee’s receipt of jewelry by saying, “He was completely unaware.”
She also dismissed questions about whether Yoon had consulted with Kim during the appointment process of former National Education Commission Chairperson Lee Baeyong, stating, “There was no such consultation. He has never heard of any solicitation.”
It has been reported that the summons for Yoon listed six charges as a suspect.
He has been named as an accomplice in several cases: Kim Keonhee’s alleged receipt of polling results worth 270 million won from Myung Taegyun (violation of the Political Funds Act); her alleged receipt of a painting by artist Lee Ufan worth 140 million won from former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim Sangmin (bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes); and the alleged dissemination of false information about Kim Keonhee during a public debate at the end of 2021 while running for president (violation of the Public Official Election Act). The investigation is also looking into whether Yoon was involved in Kim Keonhee’s alleged receipt of expensive gifts and requests for appointments or business favors from Seo Hee Construction Chairman Lee Bonggwan, former National Education Commission Chairperson Lee Baeyong, and robot dog entrepreneur Seo Seongbin.
Unlike Kim Keonhee, who has remained largely silent during recent special prosecutor investigations, there is speculation that Yoon Seokyoul may testify actively.
Yoon had previously declined to attend court hearings or face-to-face investigations by the special prosecutor teams on insurrection and the death of a marine, citing health reasons. However, since mid-October, he has attended nearly all sessions to exercise his right to defense.
After completing the interrogation on this day, the special prosecutor’s team plans to focus on drafting indictments, organizing evidence records, and preparing to transfer any remaining cases during the rest of the investigation period.
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