SEOUL, August 7 (AJP) - Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee was questioned for nearly 11 hours on Wednesday by a team of special independent prosecutors over a string of allegations, including stock manipulation, bribery, and election-related interference.
The wife of disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared at the independent prosecutors' office in Gwanghwamun in central Seoul around 10 a.m. on Wednesday and left shortly before 9 p.m. She did not respond to reporters' questions upon entering or exiting the building.
The investigation focused on five main allegations, including stock manipulation, election interference, and the acceptance of unreported luxury gifts. Prosecutors also looked into claims of influence-peddling through a religious figure and possible false statements made by her husband during the 2022 presidential race.
Prosecutors presented an audio file that they claim shows Kim was aware of the stock manipulation scheme. The file reportedly includes multiple calls between Kim and a securities firm employee over several years, with mentions of profit-sharing. Kim denied any knowledge of the alleged scheme.
She also denied wrongdoing in an asset disclosure case involving a high-end necklace worn during a 2022 NATO summit in Spain, stating it was a replica gifted by her mother 15 years ago and temporarily borrowed for the trip.
Independent prosecutors said they are considering whether to summon Kim again or request an arrest warrant, citing the wide scope of the charges and her continued denial. Additional probes into other allegations may follow.
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
![[K-Trade] S. Korea launches joint task force team to eradicate stock manipulation](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2025/07/30/20250730153749224241_278_163.jpg)
View more comments