Allegations of Political Interference Involving Former President Yoon's Wife

On April 7, it was confirmed that prosecutors investigating allegations of political interference involving former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, Kim Geon-hee, have requested a face-to-face interview with her. Kim is accused of receiving polling data from political broker Myung Tae-kyun during the last presidential election and, in return, assisting in the nomination of former lawmaker Kim Young-sun for the 2022 by-election.

According to sources, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, led by Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee Ji-hyung, communicated to Kim's representatives in mid-February that an in-person investigation was necessary regarding the allegations of political interference. However, Kim's side has not confirmed her attendance, citing ongoing impeachment proceedings against former President Yoon and health issues that may prevent her from appearing. As a result, no specific investigation schedule has been established.

The prosecutors are examining whether Kim Geon-hee was involved in the nomination process for Kim Young-sun in the Changwon district during the 2022 by-election. The initial whistleblower, Kang Hye-kyung, claimed that Myung conducted 81 polls for Yoon's camp during the election and received a nomination for Kim Young-sun in exchange for a payment of 3.75 billion won. A civic group filed a complaint against the Yoon couple for violations of political funding laws last October.

In February, a recording of a phone call between Kim Geon-hee and Myung was released by the current affairs magazine SisaIN. In the call on May 9, 2022, the day before Yoon's inauguration, Kim stated, "The president-elect just called and said not to use his name but to push for Kim Young-sun's nomination," and asked about opposition from lawmakers Kwon Seong-dong and Yoon Han-hong. Myung responded, "Yes, it seems that was the president-elect's intention. He seemed to be pressuring Yoon Sang-hyun to do so," to which Kim replied, "Don't worry too much. It will work out well."

Prosecutors believe that an investigation into former President Yoon is also necessary. A recording released by the Democratic Party last October revealed that on the eve of his inauguration, Yoon told Myung, "I asked for Kim Young-sun's nomination, but there are a lot of voices against it in the party." Following the Constitutional Court's ruling on April 4, which upheld Yoon's impeachment, he no longer enjoys immunity from prosecution.