NewKerala.com

Key Points

A special counsel in South Korea is extending its investigation into former first lady Kim Keon Hee for another 30 days. The probe is now widening to include allegations she helped cover up a bullying incident involving a presidential aide's daughter. In a related development, the leader of the Unification Church has been arrested on bribery charges connected to the former first lady. Kim Keon Hee has been in custody since mid-August on separate corruption and bribery charges.

Key Points: South Korea Extends Kim Keon Hee Corruption Probe 30 Days

  • Probe extension focuses on alleged cover-up of a presidential secretary's daughter's bullying case
  • Investigators summon official who imposed a 10-day school suspension
  • Unification Church leader arrested over bribery allegations linked to Kim
  • Kim Keon Hee held in custody since August on corruption and bribery charges
2 min read

South Korea: Special counsel team extends probe into ex-first lady by 30 days

Special counsel widens probe into ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee, now investigating a bullying cover-up and arresting a church leader on bribery charges.

"We humbly accept the court's decision. - Unification Church Statement"

Seoul, Sep 23

A special counsel team in South Korea on Tuesday said it will extend its investigation into corruption allegations surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee by 30 days.

The team led by special counsel Min Joong-ki said the extension will be effective on Wednesday and comply with the relevant law that allows a 30-day extension at his discretion, Yonhap news agency reported.

Min's team has been widening its probe of Kim, the wife of South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol, since indicting her last month on charges of corruption and bribery. She has been held in custody since August 13.

A formal investigation will begin this week into allegations she helped cover up a bullying case involving the daughter of the presidential secretary for protocol in July 2023, assistant special counsel Kim Hyong-kun said during a press briefing.

Kim Seung-hee, the then secretary, resigned later that year amid allegations that his daughter, who was then in third grade in elementary school, had assaulted a student one year younger than her and damaged her cornea.

The former first lady was found to have held an eight-minute phone call with the vice education minister immediately after the alleged assault.

The special counsel team said it has summoned an official on a school violence committee involved in imposing a 10-day suspension on the daughter.

The official has been asked to appear as a reference on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja was placed under arrest over bribery allegations linked to the former first lady.

The Seoul Central District Court issued a warrant for her arrest, citing concern that she could destroy evidence.

Special counsel Min Joong-ki's team had requested the warrant last week on charges of violations of the Political Funds Act and the anti-graft law, subornation of evidence, destruction and embezzlement.

"We humbly accept the court's decision," the church said in a statement shortly after the warrant was issued. "We will faithfully engage in the forthcoming investigation and trial to determine the truth, and do our best to use this as an occasion to restore trust in our church.

"We sincerely apologise for causing concern to the people," it added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The bullying case cover-up is particularly disturbing. As a parent, I can't imagine using power to protect a child who harmed another. This kind of behavior damages society's trust in leadership.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see how other countries handle political corruption cases. The 30-day extension shows they're taking this seriously. Hope justice prevails!
A
Arjun K
The religious leader's involvement makes this even more complex. When spiritual leaders get mixed with political corruption, it shakes people's faith in institutions. Hope South Korea sets a good example in handling this.
M
Michael C
While I support thorough investigations, I hope this doesn't become a political witch hunt. Due process should be followed properly for everyone involved.
A
Ananya R
The fact that she made an 8-minute call to the education minister right after the bullying incident speaks volumes. Power should be used to help people, not cover up wrongdoings. 😔

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50