South Korea’s Ex-First Lady Issues Apology, Undergoes Probe

2025-08-06 04:19:09

(MENAFN) South Korea’s ex-first lady, Kim Keon Hee, issued an apology Wednesday as she underwent questioning by a special counsel investigating several serious criminal accusations, according to media.

Kim, married to imprisoned former President Yoon Suk Yeol, stands accused of manipulating stocks, interfering in elections, and accepting gifts in return for favors.

“I am truly sorry that a nobody like me has caused concern to the people,” Kim stated. “I will come out after faithfully undergoing the investigation.”

Her appearance marks the first time a spouse of either a current or former South Korean president has publicly been questioned as a criminal suspect.

In a related development on Wednesday, a special counsel team headed by Lee Myeong-hyeon executed a search of the Foreign Ministry. This action is part of a probe into allegations that former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup was permitted to leave the country to avoid scrutiny over alleged government interference in a military investigation of a Marine’s 2023 death.

Authorities are examining the details surrounding Lee’s unexpected appointment as ambassador to Australia on March 4, 2024, a move made while he was under investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials regarding his purported role in obstructing the Marine death inquiry.

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