"Psychologically unstable… Concerns over escape and destruction of evidence remain"

Kim Yong-min, a member of the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee belonging to the Democratic Party of Korea, has argued for a prompt summons and the necessity of arresting Kim Geon-hee, the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Kim presented reasons based on Kim's psychological instability, destruction of evidence, and the possibility of escape, emphasizing that "swift action is required from a legal perspective."

During an appearance on YTN Radio's "Shin Yul's News Face-Off" on the 26th, Kim stated, "Kim Geon-hee has never been investigated, and there are too many offenses committed, making a heavy sentence anticipated." He added, "Because of this, there are concerns about extreme choices being made by some."

He further insisted, "If such concerns become reality, we need to summon and investigate her as soon as possible and initiate arrest procedures."

"Hospital admission seems like an evasion of investigation… Public interest should take precedence over the right to defense"

Regarding Kim Geon-hee's side stating, "We will diligently respond if there is a summons request," Kim dismissed it by saying, "Sufficient time has been provided for evidence destruction, and the possibility of that remains high."

Additionally, he mentioned, "Recent hospitalization also seems to be a strategy to evade investigation, and we cannot rule out the possibility of escape," adding, "For this reason, I believe legal arrest is inevitable."

In particular, Kim pointed out that the summons for Kim Geon-hee is not just a matter of attendance but a litmus test for fair law enforcement. He explained, "While guaranteeing the right to defense is important, it should not become a means to delay the entire criminal process and undermine the trust in law enforcement."

"Shim Woo-jeong and Ji Gwi-yeon are also under investigation… Possibility of applying 'aiding a criminal'"

On the same broadcast, the possibility of investigating Chief Judge Ji Gwi-yeon, who made the decision to cancel the arrest of former President Yoon, and Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jeong, who abandoned the appeal against the cancellation, was raised. In response, Kim stated, "Since this is an already reported case, the possibility of investigation is open."

He said, "In the case of Judge Ji, we need to examine whether there was intent and whether it meets the legal elements of a crime," but criticized, "Regarding Chief Shim, there is significant public suspicion that a meeting of chief prosecutors was held to intentionally delay the timing of prosecution, ultimately creating grounds for canceling the arrest."

Kim emphasized, "Chief Shim’s actions may correspond to aiding a criminal or dereliction of duty, and thorough investigations should be conducted regarding these suspicions."

Image source: Kim Yong-min, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker / News1, Kim Geon-hee / News1