Kim Gun-hee, Wife of Former President Yoon Seok-yeol, Hospitalized Ahead of Special Prosecutor Investigation
It has been confirmed that Kim Gun-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, has been hospitalized in light of the special prosecutor investigation. Kim reportedly required treatment following the medical staff's assessment that her chronic illness had worsened.
According to the legal and medical circles on the 16th, Kim was admitted this afternoon to Seoul Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul.
It has been reported that her long-standing chronic condition has recently deteriorated, although it is not at a critical level. Kim is said to have decided to be hospitalized following a consultation with medical staff after an outpatient visit on the 13th.
Kim is currently under investigation by the prosecution as a suspect. Allegations have arisen that she and her husband, the former President, organized interference in the People's Power party's candidate selection process. The prosecution requested Kim to appear on the 14th of last month, but she did not respond.
Kim's side submitted an opinion letter to the prosecution on the 9th, stating that "the charges of violations of the Political Fund Act and bribery do not hold legally."
Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki, who is in charge of the ‘Kim Gun-hee’ investigation, recommends eight candidates for special prosecutor assistants… Appointments expected as early as this week.
Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki, who is dedicated to Kim's case, is actively preparing to form a investigative team. The pressure for speed is evident.
Among the so-called ‘three special prosecutors’, this one is the fastest in terms of progress, creating a situation psychologically pressing for Kim.
Recently, Min submitted a list of eight candidates for the special prosecutor assistants to the presidential office, and President Lee Jae-myung is expected to appoint four from this list.
The candidate pool includes individuals from both the judiciary and prosecution. Among those from the judiciary, lawyer Moon Hong-joo (31st Judicial Research and Training Institute) is included, while those from the prosecution include lawyers Kim Hyung-geun (29th), Park Sang-jin (29th), and Oh Jung-hee (30th).
Lawyer Moon is reported to have had a close relationship with Min during his tenure as a current judge, while lawyer Kim has served as the head of the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office and the chief prosecutor in Bucheon. Lawyer Park has been the head of the Special Investigation Division at the Changwon District Prosecutors' Office and head prosecutor in Goyang, while lawyer Oh was in charge of tax crime investigations at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.
Min is also hastening the configuration of investigative support personnel. It is reported that a request has been made to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office for investigators specializing in digital forensics and investigative practices to be dispatched.
“We will complete the investigation in a short period… We will form a communication-friendly team.”
Min stated to reporters that “given the limited investigation period, immediate commencement and rapid progress are necessary,” adding that “not only the investigative capability but also the potential for smooth communication and cooperation between individuals from different backgrounds were taken into consideration."
According to the Special Prosecutor Act, Kim Gun-hee's investigation team will commence earnest investigations with four special prosecutor assistants appointed by the President. The investigation period is 60 days, which can be extended by 30 days with the President's approval. It seems that Min will begin comprehensive forced investigations as soon as the appointment of the special prosecutor assistants is finalized.
Image source: News1
