South Korea's Former President Yoon's Spouse Under Investigation

Seoul, Aug 6 (AP) The spouse of South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol faced special prosecutor questioning on Wednesday, as the probe into allegations of stock manipulation, bribery, and interference in party nominations intensified. The inquiry into Kim Keon Hee is part of three separate investigations initiated under Seoul's new liberal administration, focusing on Yoon's presidency, which ended in April following his removal and subsequent re-arrest last month for imposing martial law in December.

Yoon's sudden and poorly executed power grab on December 3 arose during a confrontation with liberals, whom he accused of being “anti-state” entities exploiting their legislative majority to thwart his policies. Some critics speculate that Yoon's actions may have been partly influenced by the growing allegations against his wife, which negatively impacted his approval ratings and provided leverage to political opponents.

As she arrived for questioning, Kim Keon Hee expressed remorse, stating, “I apologize for causing concern to the people, even though I am someone insignificant.” She pledged full cooperation with the investigation before leaving without addressing specific allegations.

Despite the rain, a contingent of Yoon's supporters assembled outside the special prosecutor's office in downtown Seoul, brandishing South Korean and US flags and banners amidst a heavy police presence.

Yoon, who returned to prison last month and faces trial on charges of rebellion and other offenses, resisted an attempt by investigators to question him regarding his wife. During the incident, Yoon reportedly removed his prison uniform and lay on the floor of his cell in his underwear, leading investigators to abandon efforts to execute the detention warrant. Negotiations with Yoon's legal team for a potential questioning are underway.

Both Yoon and Kim are suspected of influencing the conservative People Power Party to nominate a specific candidate for a 2022 parliamentary by-election on behalf of Myung Tae-kyun, a polling agency founder and election broker who provided free opinion polls for Yoon before his presidency.

Kim is also tied to various corruption allegations, including receiving a necklace and other gifts via a fortuneteller serving as an envoy for an official from the Unification Church seeking business favors, along with potential involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme. Yoon, during his tenure, consistently rejected demands to investigate his wife, dismissing them as unfounded political assaults.

Yoon's martial law declaration lasted only hours, as lawmakers overcame a blockade of heavily armed soldiers to vote for its revocation. His impeachment took place on December 14, with formal removal from office by the Constitutional Court in April.

Following his victory in the early presidential election in June, liberal President Lee Jae Myung authorized comprehensive special investigations into Yoon’s martial law episode, the accusations against his wife, and the 2023 drowning incident of a marine during a flood rescue, which Lee's Democratic Party claims Yoon's administration attempted to cover up.

In March, Yoon was released from prison after the Seoul Central District Court overturned his earlier January arrest. However, his re-arrest in July was approved by the same court, which accepted the special prosecutor's assertion that Yoon posed a risk of evidence destruction. (AP) GSP

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