Kim Geon-hee Summoned by Prosecutors in Election Interference Case

On May 11, it was confirmed that prosecutors investigating the alleged election interference involving political broker Myung Tae-kyun have summoned Kim Geon-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, as a suspect. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, led by Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee Ji-hyung, has issued a notice for Kim to appear for questioning regarding violations of the Public Official Election Act and the Political Fund Act. In addition to this case, Kim is also under simultaneous investigation for the 'Ganjin Shaman solicitation allegations' and the 'Deutsche Motors stock manipulation allegations.'

The 'election interference allegations' suggest that the former presidential couple intervened in nominations during the 2022 local elections, the National Assembly by-elections, and last year's general elections. Kim is accused of receiving polling results for free from Myung and subsequently exerting influence to secure a nomination for former People Power Party member Kim Young-sun in the Changwon I-chang district during the by-elections. Furthermore, she is also suspected of attempting to nominate former prosecutor Kim Sang-min in the same district during last year's general elections. Prosecutors have obtained testimony from Myung indicating that Kim requested the nomination for Kim Sang-min, and they have also interviewed witnesses including former lawmaker Kim Young-sun and former Gangseo District Mayor Kim Tae-woo.

Previously, prosecutors had repeatedly notified Kim's side since mid-February that a face-to-face investigation was necessary, but they did not respond. In a recent phone call, Kim's representatives stated that her health condition is poor enough to warrant hospitalization, making her attendance uncertain. Prosecutors are reportedly considering a forced summons if she fails to comply without a valid reason.

The Southern District Prosecutors' Office is also investigating the so-called 'Ganjin Shaman solicitation allegations,' which involve Kim allegedly receiving gifts and various solicitations from shaman Jeon Seong-bae. On April 30, prosecutors conducted a search of the couple's residence in Acro Vista, Seocho-gu, Seoul, and the office of Kobana Contents, which Kim operates. The search warrant reportedly included details about gifts worth approximately 60 million won, including a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel bag, allegedly provided to Kim by Jeon at the request of a former Unification Church leader.

The 'Deutsche Motors stock manipulation allegations' are currently being re-investigated by the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office. Kim has drawn attention as one of the alleged financiers involved in the stock manipulation scheme. In December 2021, prosecutors initially indicted former Deutsche Motors Chairman Kwon Oh-soo and others for stock manipulation, and they were found guilty by the Supreme Court last month. During the trial, it was acknowledged that accounts under Kim's name were used in the stock manipulation scheme from 2010 to 2011.

However, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office previously dismissed the case against Kim due to insufficient evidence. On April 25, after more than six months, the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office announced that a re-investigation was necessary and would take over the case.

Meanwhile, former President Yoon Suk-yeol is expected to appear at the Seoul Central District Court on May 12 for his third trial regarding charges of insurrection. The court had previously allowed Yoon's request to enter the courtroom through an underground parking lot for safety reasons, but it has now decided against this for the upcoming trial. Yoon may also have to face the media as he enters the courtroom.