Former Aide to Kim Geon-hee Banned from Leaving the Country Amid Investigation
Yoo Kyung-ok, a former administrative officer who has served as a close aide to Kim Geon-hee for nearly 15 years, has been banned from leaving the country as part of an ongoing investigation. The prosecution is looking into the possibility that Yoo may have facilitated the transfer of luxury handbags to Kim Geon-hee shortly after Yoon Suk-yeol was elected president in April and July 2022. Yoo is considered a key figure among Kim's inner circle, often referred to as the 'four key aides.'
Recently, prosecutors conducted a search at the headquarters of Chanel Korea, securing details about the models, serial numbers, and purchase records of the handbags in question. It has been reported that two Chanel bags were purchased by a former head of the Unification Church and his wife.
Kim Geon-hee's representatives have stated that she was unaware of any handbags being received, asserting that Yoo was merely following instructions from Jeon Seong-bae, a shaman who previously served as an advisor to Kim's exhibition planning company, Kobana Contents. Yoo reportedly reiterated this during a recent questioning by the prosecution. However, prosecutors believe it is unlikely that there was a simple delivery mishap and plan to summon Yoo for further questioning this weekend.
The relationship between Yoo and Kim dates back to their time at Kobana Contents, where Yoo earned Kim's trust through her proficiency in English and meticulous management of exhibition schedules. In February 2017, Kim celebrated Yoo's birthday on social media, and they have shared various moments together, including a trip to Paris in 2016. Political insiders describe Yoo as someone who knows Kim personally and has handled many of her personal errands.
After Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration, Yoo continued to assist Kim in her role at the presidential office. She accompanied Kim on a visit to the grave of former President Roh Moo-hyun in 2022 and was seen shopping with Kim during Yoon's visit to Vietnam in June 2023.
The prosecution is also investigating Yoo's involvement in allegations of Kim's interference in state affairs and elections. Evidence has emerged showing that Yoo coordinated a private meeting between political broker Myung Tae-kyun and former lawmaker Kim Young-sun in June 2022. Both individuals were indicted in December 2022 for allegedly exchanging money for political favors. Additionally, Yoo was involved in scheduling when a Korean-American pastor gifted Kim a luxury Dior bag worth approximately 3 million won in September 2022.
The prosecution believes that Yoo may have been involved in a bribery scheme where luxury items, including Chanel bags and a necklace valued at 60 million won, were given in exchange for securing a public development project in Cambodia. This was discussed during a meeting between Yoon and the former head of the Unification Church in March 2022. Following this, the Ministry of Economy and Finance increased the funding limit for Cambodia, and the Yoon couple visited Phnom Penh later that year. Legal experts suggest that if connections to Yoon's official duties and potential quid pro quo are established, investigations could extend to both Kim Geon-hee and Yoon Suk-yeol.
Additionally, it has been reported that Kim Geon-hee made two phone calls to the former head of the Unification Church in January 2023, both initiated by her. The Seoul High Prosecutor's Office is also reportedly analyzing Kim's mobile phone as part of a renewed investigation into her alleged involvement in stock manipulation.
