South Korea’s special counsel team announced Tuesday it will stretch its probe into corruption allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee by an extra 30 days. The extension kicks in Wednesday, following the law that gives lead investigator Min Joong-ki the power to add this time at his discretion, according to Yonhap news agency.
Min’s group has ramped up its scrutiny of Kim, wife of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, ever since they indicted her last month on corruption and bribery charges. She’s remained in custody since August 13.
This week, the team starts a fresh look at claims that Kim helped bury a school bullying incident in July 2023. That case involved the daughter of Kim Seung-hee, who was then the presidential secretary for protocol. Assistant special counsel Kim Hyong-kun shared these details in a press briefing.
Kim Seung-hee stepped down later that year after reports surfaced that his third-grade daughter had attacked a younger student, even damaging her cornea. Right after the alleged assault, the former first lady made an eight-minute call to the vice education minister.
The investigators have called in an official from the school violence committee, which handed down a 10-day suspension to the girl. That official must show up Thursday as a witness.
In a related twist earlier Tuesday, Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja landed in custody over bribery charges tied to Kim Keon Hee. The Seoul Central District Court approved an arrest warrant, worried she might tamper with evidence.
Min’s team had pushed for the warrant last week, accusing Han of breaking the Political Funds Act and anti-graft rules, plus suborning evidence, destroying it, and embezzlement.
The church responded quickly with a statement: “We humbly accept the court’s decision. We’ll cooperate fully with the investigation and trial to uncover the truth, and we’ll work hard to rebuild trust in our organization.” They also said, “We sincerely apologize for worrying the public.”
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