S. Korea\’s former first lady Kim arrested: prosecutors
Kim Keon Hee Arrested After Seoul Court Grants Arrest Warrant
South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee, wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was taken into custody late Tuesday amid accusations of stock market manipulation, corruption and political fund violations.
Legal Proceedings
- On August 12, the Seoul Central District Court approved the arrest warrant, citing the risk that evidence could be tampered with.
- The warrant was issued the same day prosecutors filed a formal request after Kim was questioned for several hours yesterday.
- Kim, now 52, is the first former president and former first lady in South Korea’s history to be held in detention.
Charges and Background
- The indictment covers violations of capital market and financial investment laws, as well as political fund regulations.
- Kim’s alleged role in stock manipulation has long drawn public scrutiny, highlighted by a 2022 video showing her accepting a Dior handbag from a self‑proclaimed fan.
- She is also accused of interfering in the nomination process for MPs within Yoon’s party, a breach of election laws.
Impact on Yoon Suk Yeol’s Tenure
- Yoon, a former top prosecutor, was impeached and removed from office in April after declaring martial law on December 3, which saw fully armed soldiers deployed to parliament but was quickly voted down by opposition MPs.
- Yoon has been in detention over the martial law declaration, while the country held a snap election in June.
- During his presidency, Yoon vetoed three special investigation bills passed by the opposition‑controlled parliament that sought to probe allegations against Kim, with the last veto issued in late November.
Kim’s Statement
Kim apologized for the trouble she was causing, describing herself as a person of no importance, as she arrived at the prosecutors’ office Wednesday.
Significance
The arrest marks a dramatic fall for the ex‑first couple after Yoon’s martial law declaration. It underscores the unprecedented legal jeopardy facing former president and former first lady together in South Korea’s history.
