South Korea Seeks Arrest of Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee Amid Bribery, Stock Manipulation Allegations

South Korean prosecutors on Thursday filed a request for an arrest warrant for former first lady Kim Keon Hee, following an extensive interrogation over multiple accusations, including bribery, stock manipulation, and election interference.

The legal move comes as her husband, former president Yoon Suk Yeol, remains in custody after his controversial imposition of martial law in December, which temporarily suspended civilian governance before being overturned by the National Assembly.

The special counsel’s office confirmed the arrest warrant request was submitted at 1:21 p.m. (0421 GMT), a day after Kim, 52, appeared for questioning that lasted several hours. If approved, it would mark the first instance in South Korea’s history where both a former president and first lady face arrest.

Upon arriving at the prosecutors’ office on Wednesday, Kim offered a brief apology: “I sincerely apologise for causing trouble despite being a person of no importance.” She reportedly denied all allegations during the inquiry.

Kim has faced ongoing scrutiny over her alleged involvement in stock manipulation and was further criticized after a 2022 video emerged showing her receiving a Dior handbag from a self-identified supporter. She also faces accusations of unlawfully influencing the nomination of lawmakers within Yoon’s party — a potential breach of electoral law.

While serving as president, Yoon vetoed three investigation bills passed by the opposition-majority parliament aimed at probing the allegations against his wife. His final veto came in late November, and just a week later, he declared martial law.

Yoon, a former chief prosecutor, was impeached and removed from office in April for the martial law declaration. This led to a snap presidential election held in June.