Special Prosecutor Investigates Kim Gun-hee's Alleged Financial Ties

The special prosecutor's team investigating allegations against Kim Gun-hee, the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, has identified a key figure, a 48-year-old man referred to as Mr. Kim, who is known as the family's housekeeper. The investigation centers on the 184 billion KRW investment received by IMS Mobility (formerly Be My Car) from a major corporation in June 2023, of which 46 billion KRW is suspected to have been funneled to Mr. Kim and potentially to Kim Gun-hee.

The special prosecutor's office plans to continue its investigation through voluntary submissions rather than forced searches, following a court's rejection of search warrants for related parties. IMS has actively denied any connection between the investment and Mr. Kim, asserting that he has had no involvement in management since his departure in April 2021. However, suspicions remain regarding his ongoing relationships with IMS personnel.

Mr. Kim joined IMS in mid-2017, after the company acquired his previous venture, Side Step 'Pyeongka.' He served as Chief Strategy Officer and was a registered director until March 2021. Following his exit, he sold all his shares to a newly established company, InnoVest Korea, in August 2022. IMS claims that the 184 billion KRW investment occurred after Mr. Kim's departure, thus absolving him of any wrongdoing.

Despite this, Mr. Kim reportedly maintained close ties with IMS staff and facilitated connections between the company and Kim Gun-hee through sponsorships of art exhibitions. IMS contends that Kim Gun-hee's name was merely used for promotional purposes and that actual sponsorship was minimal.

InnoVest Korea, which received 46 billion KRW from the IMS investment, had no direct ties to Mr. Kim at the time of the investment, but its major shareholder, Mr. Yoon, is known to have a close relationship with him. The company recently changed its headquarters from Jeju to Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam, coinciding with increased media scrutiny.

The relationship between Mr. Kim and Kim Gun-hee is also under investigation, particularly after allegations of document forgery involving Kim Gun-hee's mother, Choi Eun-soon, surfaced. Following Choi's conviction for forgery, it is reported that Kim Gun-hee expressed frustration towards Mr. Kim, leading to a rift between them.

As the investigation unfolds, legal experts suggest that Mr. Kim could potentially reveal damaging information about Kim Gun-hee's family. Currently residing in Vietnam, Mr. Kim has indicated through acquaintances that he is willing to return to South Korea for questioning if summoned by the special prosecutor's office.