The special counsel investigating allegations against former President Yoon Suk Yeol's wife, Kim Kun Hee, has decided to indict her by August 29, just before her detention period expires.
Kim Kun Hee has been under investigation for charges including stock manipulation, interference in political nominations, and solicitation tied to the Unification Church. She underwent her fourth interrogation on August 25. According to Deputy Special Prosecutor Park Sang Jin, Kim Kun Hee largely exercised her right to remain silent, refusing to answer most of the 100-page questionnaire prepared by investigators. In her previous three questioning sessions, she had also responded with "I don't know" or "I don't remember."
The special investigation team also questioned Jeon Sung Bae, better known as "Geonjin Beopsa," who has been accused of acting as a conduit for the Unification Church in delivering luxury gifts and requests to Kim Kun Hee. Jeon Sung Bae, who was detained on August 21, denied most allegations but acknowledged receiving valuables from the church. Prosecutors suspect he delivered items such as a diamond necklace and a Chanel handbag to Kim Kun Hee in 2022 on behalf of the church.
Prosecutors plan to summon Kim Kun Hee once more on August 27 before moving forward with her indictment. While the team is set to charge her on the 29th, Park Sang Jin noted that the exact timing could shift depending on the progress of questioning.
Initially, Kim Kun Hee is expected to face trial on charges related to Deutsche Motors stock manipulation, meddling in political nominations, and solicitation through Jeon Sung Bae and the Unification Church. Investigators will then continue probing other allegations, including suspected preferential treatment in the rerouting of the Yangpyeong Expressway.
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