South Korean Investigators Seek Arrest of Former President's Wife

On Thursday, South Korean investigators sought an arrest warrant for Kim Keon Hee, the wife of the former President Yoon Suk Yeol, following a day of questioning. The investigation centers on suspicions of bribery, stock manipulation, and political influence-peddling.

This marks the second time in a week that Yoon resisted attempts to be questioned in connection to his wife's case. Prison officials abandoned their efforts after an hour-long struggle due to concerns about potential injury. The detention warrant for Yoon was set to expire on Thursday.

The investigation into Kim Keon Hee is one of three separate special prosecutor probes initiated under the new liberal President Lee Jae Myung's government. These probes are related to Yoon, who was removed from office in April and subsequently rearrested last month.

Kim was questioned for approximately seven hours on Wednesday. The allegations against her include claims of undue influence over the conservative party's candidate nominations for a parliamentary by-election in 2022. She is also suspected of receiving gifts through a fortuneteller acting as an intermediary for a Unification Church official and possible involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme. The warrant request includes multiple charges, such as violations of financial market and political funding laws, as well as the acceptance of bribes.

During her appearance for questioning, Kim offered a vague apology for causing public concern but also hinted at denying the accusations, referring to herself as "someone insignificant."

Yoon, who is facing trial on rebellion and other charges, previously resisted an attempt to be questioned last week. His lawyers have criticized the repeated attempts to force him to appear, accusing investigators of infringing upon his rights.

Yoon's imposition of martial law in December occurred during a political standoff with the liberals. Some opponents have suggested that the allegations against his wife may have influenced his actions.

While in office, Yoon had dismissed calls to investigate his wife, labeling them as politically motivated attacks. After winning the early presidential election, President Lee Jae Myung approved legislation to launch special investigations into Yoon's martial law, the allegations against his wife, and the 2023 drowning death of a marine.