Lee Myung-hyun Special Prosecutor: "Summoning Mrs. Kim Gun-hee is possible… If she refuses, an arrest warrant will be considered."

The investigation is expanding to include the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol as the so-called "Kim Seong-geun Military Service Law" raises the possibility of Mrs. Kim's involvement in the alleged lobbying for the acquittal of Im Seong-geun, a former Marine Corps 1st Division commander.

Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun, who is investigating the 'Chaesangbyeong Incident,' stated that he could summon Mrs. Kim Gun-hee for questioning and that if she refuses to cooperate, an arrest warrant could be issued.

This indicates the first public acknowledgment of the possibility of coercive investigation against Mrs. Kim.

JTBC reported on the 'VIP lobbying allegations'… designated as a subject of special prosecutor's investigation.

The 'Kim Seong-geun Military Service Law' specifies that individuals such as Lee Jong-ho, former CEO of Black Pearl Invest, are central to the investigation for allegedly lobbying Mrs. Kim Gun-hee for the exoneration of former Division Commander Im Seong-geun.

Previously, JTBC reported that Lee, who was indicted as a co-defendant in the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case, mentioned in an August conversation in a chatroom for Marine Corps veterans that he would "ask a VIP for acquittal."

In that recording, Lee reportedly said, "I received a call saying that Commander Im was going to resign. I told them to not resign under any circumstances and that I would talk to the VIP."

The special prosecutor is examining whether Mrs. Kim's influence was involved in the process that led to former Commander Im being suddenly excluded from the suspects after initially facing charges of negligent homicide in the preliminary investigation.

Special Prosecutor: "Will summon Mrs. Kim if necessary… if she refuses, we will request an arrest warrant."

On the 25th, during a Q&A session with reporters, Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun responded to the question, "Is there a plan to summon Mrs. Kim Gun-hee?" by stating, "If we determine that it is necessary, we must investigate." He further added, "If she refuses to comply with the summons, it is principled to request an arrest warrant."

This clarifies that Mrs. Kim could be included in the investigation as a witness or suspect.

Also under review is the potential transfer of the insubordination case against former Marine Colonel Park Jeong-hoon to the military prosecution.

This case is currently undergoing an appellate trial, with the first trial resulting in a not guilty verdict.

If the special prosecutor takes over the case, there is a possibility of halting the trial altogether through the dismissal of charges. This is a procedure that is possible within the scope of the special prosecutor's authority under military law.

Following the public statements made by Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun, the investigation concerning Mrs. Kim Gun-hee is expected to become a significant turning point in the future direction of the 'Kim Seong-geun Military Service' investigation.

Image sources: Mrs. Kim Gun-hee / News1, Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun entering the office / News1, News1.