Special Prosecutor Requests Transfer of Kim Geon-hee Related Cases

On June 24, the Special Prosecutor's team investigating allegations against Kim Geon-hee announced that they have requested the transfer of related cases from the prosecution, police, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO). The team plans to initiate investigations into 16 allegations, including the bribery claims involving Jeon Seong-bae, stock manipulation by Deutsche Motors, political interference by Myung Tae-kyun, and the route change of the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway.

Legal experts predict that the first focus of the investigation will be the connection between Kim Geon-hee and the Unification Church (세계평화통일가정연합). Former head of the Unification Church's World Mission Headquarters, Yoon, who is accused of delivering luxury gifts such as a diamond necklace and Chanel bags to Kim Geon-hee, has hinted at a potential 'revelation war,' suggesting that the investigation may accelerate. Additionally, an inquiry into Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, who reportedly attempted to leave the country during the controversy, is expected to occur soon.

The Unification Church held a disciplinary committee meeting on June 20, resulting in the expulsion of Yoon and his spouse. Yoon has reportedly stated that he will take all legal actions and inform the media of his stance. During the prosecution's investigation, Yoon claimed that he acted under the direction of higher-ups when he delivered money and gifts to Jeon Seong-bae. The prosecution believes that this 'higher-up' is Jeong, the secretary to Han Hak-ja, who has been barred from leaving the country but recently received permission to travel abroad due to her husband's health issues.

With the investigation into Jeong becoming less clear, the possibility of directly questioning Han Hak-ja has increased. There are rumors that Han will soon be summoned for questioning. Han was reportedly set to travel to the U.S. with Jeong on May 13 but turned back upon discovering she was barred from leaving at Incheon International Airport.

The allegations regarding Kim Geon-hee's connection to the Unification Church emerged during the Seoul Southern District Prosecutor's Office's investigation into a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme known as 'Queen Bee Coin.' The prosecution confirmed that Jeon Seong-bae received substantial sums from a candidate for the mayor of Yeongcheon ahead of the 2018 local elections, and evidence of Yoon's requests was found on Jeon's confiscated phone.

Yoon is believed to have delivered gifts worth approximately 60 million KRW, including a Graph diamond necklace and two Chanel bags, to Kim Geon-hee through Jeon. It was also confirmed that former presidential office official Yoo Kyung-ok exchanged two Chanel bags for three other bags and a pair of shoes at Jeon's request, although she denied any connection to Kim Geon-hee. The prosecution has yet to confirm whether the gifts were actually delivered to Kim Geon-hee.

Yoon allegedly requested support for various projects, including the development of the Mekong River in Cambodia, the establishment of the UN's Fifth Office in Korea, the acquisition of YTN, and the export of the Saemaul Undong to Africa, while delivering these gifts.

Meanwhile, the Special Prosecutor's team is bolstering its financial tracking unit. Following requests for personnel from the Korea Exchange and the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation, they have also requested additional staff from the Financial Supervisory Service and the National Tax Service. Among the personnel from the Financial Supervisory Service are those experienced in investigating stock manipulation cases. The team is also coordinating with the prosecution to send 8-9 investigators with extensive experience in financial and securities crime investigations.