"Yes, loyalty" remarks suggest intervention in nominations… Prosecutors plan to summon former President Yoon Suk-yeol

The Constitutional Court's ruling on the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol has resurfaced various allegations surrounding his spouse, Kim Geon-hee.

As attention focuses on the possibility of re-investigating past allegations of receiving a Dior bag and involvement in Deutsche Motors' stock manipulation, prosecutors view Mrs. Kim as a key figure in the "Myung-tae-kyun Gate" case and are planning to summon her for questioning soon.

According to the prosecution on the 5th, the dedicated investigation team at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office dealing with allegations related to former People's Power Party district committee chairman Myung-tae-kyun has decided to directly summon Mrs. Kim to verify the facts. The released phone recording reveals that Mrs. Kim told Mr. Myung, concerning the nomination of former lawmaker Kim Yong-sun, "Don't worry too much, it will go well."

Additionally, when Mr. Myung requested confidentiality after providing Mrs. Kim with public opinion survey results, she replied with "Yes, loyalty" in a KakaoTalk conversation.

There are claims from Mr. Myung's side that Mrs. Kim lured former lawmaker Kim Yong-sun by suggesting, "If you help Prosecutor Kim Sang-min win in Changwon's Uichang-gu, you could receive a ministerial position or head of a public enterprise after the election." The prosecution is currently examining whether these circumstances may constitute intervention in nominations and abuse of authority.

Deutsche Motors allegations re-emerge… Corruption Investigation Office may link to Marine Corps case

The investigation concerning Mrs. Kim may also expand into allegations related to the Dior bag and stock manipulation. Last year, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's Criminal Division 1 conducted a closed investigation into Mrs. Kim at the presidential office and subsequently concluded there was no wrongdoing regarding the receipt of the Dior bag. At that time, the prosecution determined that the actions of Choi Jae-young, who provided the bag, lacked relevance to his duties or any compensation. Despite a recommendation for indictment, Choi was also not indicted.

The case of Deutsche Motors' stock manipulation was also concluded with no wrongdoing, but the situation has changed. On the 3rd, the Supreme Court confirmed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for one year, for Mr. Son, who played a similar role to Mrs. Kim in the 'Jeon-Ju (Jeon-joo)' case, reviving calls for the investigation to be resumed concerning Mrs. Kim. Both cases currently have appeals filed and are under review by the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office to determine whether further investigations will take place.

The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) may direct its investigation towards the case concerning Marine Corps Corporal Chae. The CIO has secured recordings that include statements from Mr. Lee, identified as the "control tower" of the Deutsche Motors case. It is reported that he mentioned in these recordings, "We saved former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Seong-geun through VIP," raising suspicions that Mrs. Kim may have been involved in the background of former President Yoon's directive to halt the transfer.

CIO plans to conduct a thorough investigation through mandatory measures, such as search and seizure.

Democratic Party pushes for 'Kim Geon-hee special investigation'… Permanent special investigation is not subject to veto

The political arena is also stirring. The Democratic Party plans to reintroduce comprehensive special investigation laws, including the ‘Kim Geon-hee Special Investigation Act,’ the ‘Myung-tae-kyun Special Investigation Act,’ and the ‘Insurrection Special Investigation Act.’ On that day, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Beom-kye officially announced the reintroduction of the special investigation, stating, "The pursuit of substantive truth should continue regardless of status."

As a request for a permanent special investigation targeting Mrs. Kim has passed through the National Assembly, the Democratic Party asserts that Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo should immediately commence the appointment procedures for the special investigation. Unlike regular special investigations, the permanent special investigation cannot be vetoed by the President or acting presidents, limiting the ruling party's options for response.

As investigations surrounding Mrs. Kim show signs of intensifying once more, the outcomes of future investigations are expected to have significant repercussions throughout the political landscape, especially alongside the insurrection trial of former President Yoon.

Image source: Kim Geon-hee, spouse of President Yoon Seok-yeol / News1, News1, Kim Geon-hee / News1