Ex-first lady's detention period extended to late this month

Former first lady Kim Keon-hee leaves the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul after a hearing on Aug 12 2025 Yonhap — Former first lady Kim Keon-hee leaves the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on Aug. 12, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - Independent prosecutors investigating multiple allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee can now hold her longer, as her detention period has been extended until the end of this month.

In a press statement on Wednesday, prosecutors said the Seoul Central District Court had extended her detention for another 10 days until Aug. 31, as her detention period was set to expire this week.

Kim has been detained at a remand prison in southern Seoul since early last week over multiple charges of accepting bribes including a luxury handbag and jewelry, being involved in a stock manipulation scheme, and interfering in candidate nominations during the 2022 by-elections.

She was scheduled to appear for questioning later in the day, but she did not show up, citing poor health. During her previous questioning, she reportedly denied all allegations and claimed she couldn't remember.

Prosecutors have now rescheduled her questioning and asked her to appear on Thursday.

Kim Hee-su khs@ajunews.com