On June 9, it was confirmed that two key administrative officials from the Presidential Office, who are crucial witnesses in the investigation into First Lady Kim Keon-hee’s alleged acceptance of luxury bags, will accompany President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife on an overseas trip. This development is expected to complicate the prosecution's plans for a swift investigation.
Key Officials Accompanying the Trip
Jo, an administrative officer from the Presidential Office, will join President Yoon and the First Lady on their state visit to three Central Asian countries from June 10 to 15. Jo is responsible for assisting the First Lady and has been in close contact with Pastor Choi Jae-young, who allegedly gifted the luxury bags to Kim. Jo is considered a crucial figure in establishing whether there was any solicitation between Kim and Choi. Pastor Choi has claimed that he requested the appointment of former U.S. Representative Kim Chang-joon as a National Policy Advisor and his subsequent burial at the National Cemetery. He stated that he received a call from "Officer Jo" after making these requests.
In a recorded phone conversation submitted by Pastor Choi to the prosecution, Jo stated on October 17, 2022, "I received a call from 'Seocho-dong' regarding Representative Kim's matter," and inquired, "I heard that Mrs. Kim requested a meeting with Mrs. Kim Chang-joon, is that correct?" Jo later provided Choi with the contact information of an official from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.
Another official, Yu, who coordinated the meetings between Kim and Pastor Choi, is also confirmed to be accompanying the trip. Yu, a former employee of Cobana Contents, has closely assisted the First Lady. When Pastor Choi sent pictures of luxury bags to request a meeting with Kim, Yu responded on September 12, 2022, stating, "The First Lady can spare some time. When do you plan to visit?" Yu later communicated that "Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon would be good," and according to Choi, he met the First Lady on Wednesday, September 13.
Impact on Investigation
For the prosecution to question the First Lady, they must first interview these key witnesses. However, the officials' participation in the overseas trip makes it difficult to proceed with the investigation immediately. On a positive note, Jung, another official who attended the meetings between Kim and Choi, is not accompanying the trip. A prosecution representative stated, "We cannot confirm the specifics of witness summons or schedules."
Conclusion
This situation introduces a significant variable into the prosecution's plan for a swift investigation. The involvement of key officials in the President's trip delays critical interviews necessary for advancing the case. As the investigation continues, the focus will be on how the prosecution navigates these challenges to proceed with their inquiries.
What are your thoughts on the situation? Do you think the investigation will face further delays, or will the prosecution find a way to expedite the process despite these obstacles? Share your opinions.
