SEOUL, Aug 13 — South Korea is witnessing an unprecedented chapter in its political history as prosecutors move decisively against the nation’s former first couple. On Wednesday, authorities raided the headquarters of the former ruling party of ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, following the arrest of his wife, former first lady Kim Keon Hee, on charges of corruption and election meddling.
Kim, 52, was taken into custody late Tuesday, facing allegations that include stock manipulation, political funds violations, and other corruption-related offenses. The arrest came after Seoul Central District Court approved prosecutors’ request, citing concerns that evidence could be tampered with. Prosecutors’ submission to the court spanned an extensive 848-page report outlining her alleged “unlawful acts.”
The raid on the People Power Party office was aimed at collecting evidence related to Kim’s alleged interference in parliamentary elections. Yoon, who resigned from the party in May after his impeachment and removal from office, had previously endorsed the party’s candidate in the snap presidential election, ultimately won by the Democratic Party’s Lee Jae Myung.
Opposition leader Song Eon-seog condemned the raid, describing it as “nothing short of gangster behaviour,” and accused the Lee administration of orchestrating political retaliation against the opposition.
With Kim’s arrest, South Korea has, for the first time, both a former president and first lady behind bars. Her detention marks the latest chapter in a dramatic fall from grace for the couple, whose political careers unraveled following Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration on December 3. That declaration, which involved deploying soldiers to parliament, was swiftly overturned by opposition lawmakers, eventually leading to Yoon’s impeachment in April and a snap election in June. Yoon has been in detention since July 10.
Kim’s time under scrutiny is not new. Public controversy over her alleged stock manipulation and favoritism has lingered for years. In 2022, a video showing her receiving a luxury Dior handbag reignited public criticism. She is also accused of meddling in MP nominations for Yoon’s party, actions that could violate election laws.
After being questioned for hours last week, Kim expressed remorse, saying, “I sincerely apologise for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance.” Her detention is currently set for up to 20 days while prosecutors prepare a formal indictment, which could extend her detention to six months. She may also challenge the warrant in court or request bail, though legal experts suggest this is unlikely under current circumstances.
Investigators additionally searched a company linked to Kim over suspected favoritism in presidential office repairs. Following the warrant, her Presidential Security Service protection was terminated, and she is being held at a facility separate from her husband.
This historic case continues to capture the nation’s attention, raising questions about political accountability and the consequences of power in South Korea’s modern democracy.
