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Key Points

Two senior South Korean prosecutors have offered their resignations amid a controversial investigation into former First Lady Kim Keon Hee. The prosecutors face criticism for allegedly mishandling a probe into potential stock price manipulation and gift-related favors. Their resignation follows multiple raids at residences and corporate offices connected to the investigation. The case highlights ongoing political tensions and scrutiny of high-profile government relationships in South Korea.

Key Points: South Korea Prosecutors Resign Over Kim Keon Hee Probe Scandal

  • Prosecutors Lee Chang-soo and Cho Sang-won tender resignations amid controversy
  • Investigation targets Kim Keon Hee's alleged gift network
  • Raids conducted at multiple residences and Chanel Korea office
  • Constitutional Court previously rejected impeachment attempts
2 min read

South Korea: Two senior prosecutors offer to resign amid controversy over probe into ex-First Lady

Two senior Seoul prosecutors offer resignations amid controversial investigation into ex-First Lady Kim Keon Hee's alleged stock manipulation

"We are responding to the prosecution's investigation sincerely - Chanel Korea Official"

Seoul, May 20

Two senior prosecutors of South Korea who have faced criticism for allegedly mishandling a probe into former First Lady Kim Keon Hee over her alleged involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme have offered to resign, judiciary sources said on Tuesday.

Lee Chang-soo, chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, and Cho Sang-won, deputy chief prosecutor at the same office, tendered their resignations to the Justice Ministry earlier in the day, according to the sources.

Lee is known to have cited health reasons for his resignation offer.

The senior prosecutors, alongside the chief state auditor, were impeached by the National Assembly in December following the now impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid on December 3.

They have been accused of failing to indict the former First Lady and making false claims regarding the investigation during press briefings, Yonhap news agency reported.

The Constitutional Court, however, rejected the impeachments in a March 13 ruling. The court said it was not an abuse of authority to question the First Lady at a location outside of the prosecution's office and that no false claims were made.

Earlier on May 16, prosecutors had raided the residence of Kim Keon Hee and Chanel Korea as part of investigations into various suspicions over relations between ousted President Yoon and his wife and a controversial shaman.

They said the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors Office recently sent investigators to search the former secretary's residence and the office of Chanel Korea to secure evidence related to the whereabouts of gifts reportedly given to Kim from shaman Jeon Seong-bae, also known as Geon Jin.

Prosecutors are looking into allegations that a high-ranking Unification Church official gifted a diamond necklace and a Chanel bag to Kim in exchange for various favours after Yoon's election as President in 2022.

Chanel Korea said it was responding to the prosecution's investigation "sincerely", without elaborating on the details of the case.

Last month, the prosecution also raided Yoon's residence in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul, along with Kim's office and the residences of two of her secretaries.

However, they reportedly failed to secure much of the evidence, including the necklace in question, nor succeeded in unlocking the former First Lady's cellphone.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
Interesting to see how corruption cases unfold in other Asian democracies. In India, we've seen similar high-profile investigations drag on for years. Hope South Korea sets a better example of swift justice! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
The Chanel bag angle reminds me of some of our own political scandals involving luxury items. Why do leaders' families always seem to get entangled in such controversies? Common citizens struggle while they enjoy these privileges 😔
A
Arjun S.
As someone who admires South Korea's economic growth, this is disappointing. Their justice system should be stronger than ours if they want to maintain global credibility. The prosecutors resigning seems like an escape route rather than accountability.
N
Neha T.
The shaman connection is the most bizarre part! Reminds me of some Indian politicians consulting astrologers. Maybe all Asian countries share this unfortunate tendency to mix superstition with governance 🤦‍♀️
S
Sanjay R.
While we criticize, let's remember our own systems aren't perfect. The Constitutional Court rejecting the impeachment shows judicial independence - something we should appreciate in any democracy. Hope truth prevails in this case.

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