South Korean prosecutors question ex-first lady accused of graft

South Korean prosecutors have interrogated former first lady Kim Keon Hee regarding several allegations, including stock manipulation and bribery. This questioning took place while her husband, former president Yoon Suk Yeol, is already in detention for declaring martial law last December.


The article reports that prosecutors plan to seek an arrest warrant for Kim following Wednesday's questioning. If issued, this would be a historical first in South Korea, with both a former president and first lady being arrested. The allegations against Kim include her alleged involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme between 2009 and 2012, as well as accepting luxury gifts, such as a designer handbag, which is a violation of anti-graft laws. She is also accused of illegally interfering with the nomination of lawmakers in Yoon's political party.



Before her questioning, Kim apologized for "causing trouble" and pledged to cooperate with the investigation. The investigation has drawn significant media attention, and supporters of both Kim and Yoon gathered outside the prosecutor's office. The article also notes that while he was president, Yoon vetoed multiple bills aimed at investigating the allegations against his wife. Yoon himself was impeached and removed from office in April due to his martial law declaration, which was ultimately overturned by parliament.