Former South Korean First Lady Arrested, Party HQ Raided
Former First Lady Kim Keon-Hee, wife of impeached ex-President Yoon Suk-Yeol, has been arrested on multiple corruption-related charges, including stock manipulation, bribery, and influencing party candidate selections. The arrest follows a court-approved warrant citing the risk of evidence tampering after prosecutors submitted an extensive dossier outlining her alleged misconduct.
Party Headquarters Raided
Just one day after the arrest, prosecutors launched a raid on the People Power Party’s headquarters—Yoon’s former party—to collect evidence related to Kim’s alleged meddling in parliamentary election processes.
Unprecedented Double Arrest
This development marks a historic first in South Korea: having both a former president and first lady detained simultaneously. Yoon is already in custody, held on separate charges related to his brief martial law declaration and other legal matters.
Political Backlash
Opposition figures criticized the raid harshly, alleging political persecution by the current administration. Nonetheless, the prosecution emphasized that the investigation is rooted in legal responsibility, not partisan intent.
Broader Context
Kim’s arrest is part of a wider special prosecution initiative launched by the new liberal government to investigate alleged abuses during Yoon’s tenure. Earlier controversies involving Kim—such as accusations of academic plagiarism and the infamous “Dior handbag” incident—have resurfaced amid the current legal scrutiny.
