Investigation into Former President Yoon's Administration Expands

The investigation into former President Yoon Suk-yeol's administration is set to broaden if job-related connections are confirmed. Former administrative officer Yoo Kyung-ok, who has served as a close aide to Kim Geon-hee for nearly 15 years, is at the center of scrutiny. The prosecution has identified that Yoo received luxury handbags shortly after Yoon's election victory in April and July 2022. They suspect that Yoo, a key member of Kim's inner circle, may have facilitated the transfer of these items to Kim.

Recently, the prosecution conducted a search of Chanel Korea's headquarters, securing details about the handbag models, serial numbers, and purchase records. It has also come to light that Yoo used a credit card to cover additional costs associated with exchanging the bags. Reports indicate 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 receiving the bags and 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 interrogation by the prosecution. However, the prosecution believes it is unlikely that there was a simple delivery mishap and plans to summon Yoo for further questioning this weekend.

Yoo's relationship with Kim dates back to their time at Kobana Contents, where he earned her trust through his proficiency in English and meticulous management of exhibition schedules. He was responsible for hiring new staff for the exhibition planning team and has been seen celebrating Kim's birthday on social media.

After Yoon's inauguration, Yoo continued to assist Kim as an administrative officer in the presidential office. He accompanied her during a visit to the grave of former President Roh Moo-hyun in June 2022 and was photographed shopping with her in Hanoi during Yoon's visit to Vietnam in June 2023.

The prosecution is investigating Yoo's involvement in allegations of Kim's interference in state affairs and elections. Evidence has emerged showing that he coordinated a secret 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 parliamentary nominations.

Additionally, Yoo was involved in scheduling an event where a Korean-American pastor gifted Kim a luxury Dior bag worth approximately 3 million won in September 2022. The prosecution is also examining claims that Yoo facilitated the delivery of luxury items, including a Chanel bag and a necklace valued at 60 million won, as part of a request for assistance with a Cambodian official development assistance (ODA) project.

As the investigation unfolds, it has been revealed that Kim made two phone calls to Yoo in January 2023, both initiated by her. The Seoul High Prosecutor's Office is also re-examining allegations of Kim's involvement in stock manipulation and has reportedly seized her mobile phone for analysis.