Special Prosecutor's Team Seeks Arrest Warrant for Kim Geon-hee's Associate

On July 15, the special prosecutor's team investigating allegations related to former President Yoon Suk-yeol's spouse, Kim Geon-hee, announced that they have requested an arrest warrant for an associate known as Kim, referred to as 'Kim Geon-hee's housekeeper.' During a regular briefing, Special Prosecutor Moon Hong-joo explained that Kim left for Vietnam in April and has not made any contact with the investigation team, leading them to conclude that he has no intention of returning voluntarily. Moon stated that if the warrant is issued, they will immediately take steps to invalidate Kim's passport and will work swiftly to uncover the facts surrounding the 'housekeeper gate' and the bribery investigation involving Kobana Contents upon his return.

Previously, the special prosecutor's team had sought a search warrant related to Kim's involvement in IMS Mobility, where he served as an executive, claiming that Kim Geon-hee was implicated in a significant investment of 18.4 billion won from major companies like Kakao Mobility. However, the court rejected this request on July 9, stating that the allegations surrounding Kim do not fall under the jurisdiction of the special prosecutor's law. The team has summoned four individuals, including Kakao founder Kim Beom-soo and HS Hyosung Vice Chairman Cho Hyun-sang, to appear on July 17. Cho has indicated that he may not be able to attend due to a scheduled business trip to Vietnam and is currently coordinating with the special prosecutor's office regarding his schedule.

Additionally, Moon revealed that the team conducted searches at over ten locations, including the temple of Jeon Seong-bae, who is under investigation for election interference, as well as the office of his attorney and the residences of former officials from the People Power Party. The search at the attorney's office was specifically aimed at seizing Jeon's mobile phone, clarifying that the attorney is not suspected of involvement in any wrongdoing.