South Korea: Prosecution to question ex-first lady Keon Hee over influence-peddling scandal

IANS May 12, 2025 274 views

South Korean prosecutors have summoned former first lady Kim Keon Hee to investigate alleged election interference during 2022 parliamentary by-elections. The investigation centers on her potential involvement in manipulating party nominations through a power broker. Kim faces potential charges under the Public Official Election Act and Political Funds Act. The case highlights ongoing political tensions and scrutiny of the presidential couple's activities.

"We have not discussed our official position yet" - Kim Keon Hee's Legal Team
Seoul, May 12: Prosecutors in South Korea have ordered former first lady Kim Keon Hee to appear for questioning this week over allegations of influence-peddling in the 2022 parliamentary by-elections, legal sources said on Monday.

Key Points

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Prosecutors investigating Kim's role in party nomination manipulations

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Potential election law violations being examined

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Summons issued for Wednesday questioning

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Possible detention warrant under consideration

Kim, the wife of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, was recently sent a summons by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office to appear as a suspect on Wednesday, according to the sources.

Kim faces charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and the Political Funds Act in connection with allegations that she helped former People Power Party (PPP) Rep. Kim Young-sun win the party's nomination for the 2022 by-elections via Myung Tae-kyun, a self-proclaimed power broker, who in return conducted free public opinion polls favorable to Yoon ahead of the 2022 presidential election, Yonhap news agency reported.

The former first lady has additionally been accused of involvement in the PPP's candidate nominations for the 2022 local elections and the 2024 general elections.

Kim has yet to respond to the summons.

"We have not discussed our official position yet," a lawyer for the former first lady told Yonhap News Agency.

Prosecutors are reportedly considering requesting a warrant to detain Kim in the event she defies repeated summonses without legitimate grounds.

Earlier in 2025, Kim Keon-hee, faced mounting public scrutiny over her suspected involvement in the country's short-lived martial law decree, with allegations of election meddling and text messages sent to an official on the eve of the December debacle.

The opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) claimed that the looming threat of a public revelation over the first couple's alleged interference in the nomination process for a local parliamentary by-election in 2022 had pressured former president Yoon Suk-yeol into launching the long-planned action.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
This shows how even developed democracies like South Korea face political corruption issues. In India too we've seen similar cases where politicians' families misuse power. Hope they get strict punishment if found guilty - that's the only way to maintain public trust in democracy. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Interesting to see South Korea dealing with political scandals while we have our own challenges in India. The pattern is similar - power brokers, election manipulation. Makes you wonder if all democracies eventually face these issues. At least their judiciary seems to be acting independently!
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Arjun S.
South Korea is one of India's important partners in technology and defense. Such political instability there could affect our bilateral relations. Hope they resolve this quickly and maintain stability - we need strong partners in Asia to counterbalance China's influence.
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Neha T.
The former first lady should cooperate with the investigation. No one should be above the law, whether in South Korea or India. Their system seems to be working though - in many countries, leaders' families would never face such scrutiny. 👏
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Sanjay V.
While we criticize our own politicians, we should appreciate that India hasn't seen this level of political drama in recent years. Our election system, despite its flaws, is more transparent than many give it credit for. Maybe we can learn from Korea's mistakes.
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Meera P.
The opposition party's role here is crucial - shows the importance of a strong opposition in any democracy. In India too, we need constructive opposition that holds power accountable rather than just opposing for the sake of it. Food for thought for our political parties!

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