Article Summary
On July 20, 2024, it was revealed that the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office investigated Kim Geon-hee, the wife of President Yoon Seok-youl, and subsequently reported the investigation to Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok. Despite the Prosecutor General emphasizing the importance of Kim’s investigation multiple times, he was not informed of the ongoing investigation until it was completed. The Supreme Prosecutor’s Office stated that the Prosecutor General is deeply contemplating the situation and considering various measures.
Details
- Investigation of Kim Geon-hee
- The Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office conducted the investigation of Kim Geon-hee on July 20, 2024, at a third-party location. The investigation covered allegations related to the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case and the luxury handbag acceptance case.
- The investigation began at 1:30 PM and lasted approximately 12 hours.
- Communication Issues with the Prosecutor General
- The Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office reported the investigation of Kim Geon-hee to Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok only after the fact. Although the Prosecutor General had repeatedly emphasized the investigation process, he was not informed of the details before receiving the report.
- The Supreme Prosecutor’s Office stated that neither the Prosecutor General nor senior prosecutors were aware of the investigation process in advance, and the Prosecutor General is seriously considering the situation.
- Deutsche Motors Case Investigation Authority
- The decision to investigate Kim Geon-hee at a third-party location was influenced by the fact that the Prosecutor General does not hold investigative authority over the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case. In October 2020, then-Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae restricted former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl’s authority to direct investigations into the Deutsche Motors case. This restriction remains in effect.
- Prosecutor General’s Response
- The Prosecutor General is taking the issue of the post-reporting of Kim Geon-hee’s investigation very seriously and is considering various responses. The Supreme Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that the Prosecutor General is deeply reflecting on the matter.
Conclusion
This incident highlights issues related to the prosecution's investigation procedures and communication with the Prosecutor General. It suggests a need for a review of internal processes and communication systems within the prosecution. The focus is now on how the prosecution will address and respond to these internal and procedural concerns.
