Ex-First Lady Kim Appears for Second Special Counsel Interview

Former First Lady Appears for Second Questioning in Corruption Case

Former first lady Kim Keon Hee made another appearance at the special counsel’s office on Monday, marking her second round of questioning since her arrest over corruption allegations. The event took place less than a week after she was taken into custody on charges related to stock manipulation, election interference, and receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church.

Kim was transported to the special counsel’s office in central Seoul via a prison van. This visit followed her initial interrogation last Thursday, during which she largely chose to remain silent. The session lasted approximately two hours, indicating that she did not provide significant information at that time.

Key Figures Involved in the Investigation

In addition to Kim, other individuals connected to the case have also been questioned by the special counsel team. One such individual is Kim Ye-seong, who is known as the "butler" of the former first lady's family. He appeared for questioning after a Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for him on allegations of embezzling 3.38 billion won ($2.4 million) from IMS Mobility, a company he has a stake in.

This marks the second time Kim has been questioned since her arrest last Tuesday and the first time for Kim Ye-seong following the issuance of his warrant. The investigation into IMS Mobility involves allegations that the company received unfair investments totaling 18.4 billion won from several firms, including Kakao Mobility, in 2023. At the time, IMS Mobility was reportedly in a state of capital impairment, leading investigators to suspect that the investments were made due to connections with Kim and the former first lady.

Financial Allegations and Possible Connections

The special counsel team is also looking into whether some of the investment funds were funneled into another company controlled by Kim. Additionally, they are examining if the embezzled funds or other profits may have been used to benefit the former first lady’s family.

Another key figure involved in the case is Jeon Seong-bae, a shaman known as “Geon Jin.” He appeared for questioning on charges of delivering a diamond necklace and Chanel bags to the former first lady on behalf of the Unification Church between April and August 2022. Jeon allegedly delivered requests for business favors along with the luxury gifts. However, he denied the allegations, claiming he lost the items before he could deliver them to Kim.

Potential Cross-Examinations

With the three key figures—Kim Keon Hee, Kim Ye-seong, and Jeon Seong-bae—appearing for questioning simultaneously, the special counsel team may conduct cross-examinations if their testimonies conflict. This could provide further insight into the extent of their involvement in the alleged misconduct.

The ongoing investigation continues to draw public attention, especially given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. As the case unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the financial dealings and potential abuses of power linked to the former presidential family.