On August 7, South Korean prosecutors filed a request for an arrest warrant for Kim Keon Hee, a former first-time First Lady, after hours of questioning over a series of allegations including bribery and stock manipulation.
The information was given by Mr. Oh Jung-hee, the special prosecutor in charge of the case, at a press conference. He said the arrest warrant was needed at 1-21 p.m. local time. If approved, it would be the first time in South Korea's history that a former president and his wife have been arrested.
Ms. Kim Keon Hee, 52, was accused of violating laws on capital markets, financial investment and political funds. She denied all allegations during the questioning process. Before entering the prosecutor's office, she said: "I sincerely apologize for causing trouble, even though I am a person without important status."
Controversy surrounding Ms. Kim has lasted for many years, especially suspicions about her role in stock manipulation. A 2022 video showing her receiving a Dior handbag from a person claiming to be a fan has fueled criticism.
She was also accused of interfering in her husband's party's nomination for parliament, which could violate election law.
Previously, during his tenure, Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol - Ms. Kim's husband and former president and former top prosecutor - denied the special investigation bills passed by the parliament three times to clarify the accusations against his wife. The final phutagement was in late November, just a week before Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law.
This statement led to Yoon Suk Yeol being impeached and removed from office in April. South Korea will then have to hold an early election in June.
Efforts to summon Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning of his wife-related allegations failed, as he resisted strongly in prison.
