The wife of ‘Republic of Korea’ (South Korea) jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested on multiple corruption allegations, including bribery, stock manipulation, and political interference. The Seoul Central District Court approved a special prosecutor’s request for an arrest warrant late Tuesday, citing concerns that Kim Keon Hee could destroy evidence. She is being held at a detention facility in southern Seoul, separate from her husband.
Yoon, a former fascist president attempted self-coup and removed from office in April, was rearrested last month over his brief imposition of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024. His dramatic but poorly planned move came during a standoff with liberal lawmakers, who he accused of being “anti-state” forces. The martial law decree lasted only hours before lawmakers broke through a military blockade, revoked the measure, and began impeachment proceedings. Yoon now faces trial on rebellion and other charges.
Prosecutors suspect that Kim and Yoon exerted improper influence over their conservative People Power Party to nominate a favored candidate in a 2022 legislative by-election, allegedly at the request of an election broker accused of manipulating polling data. Kim is also linked to separate corruption allegations, including receiving luxury gifts and involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme. She has denied the charges, calling herself “someone insignificant.”
The couple is the first former presidential pair in the ‘ROK’ to be jailed simultaneously over criminal allegations. Their cases are part of three special investigations launched by new liberal President Lee Jae Myung, targeting Yoon’s martial law declaration, the accusations against his wife, and a 2023 marine’s death during a flood rescue. Both Yoon and Kim face further questioning as the probes continue.
