South Korean prosecutors accused of irregular involvement in Kim Keon-hee investigation

An investigation by a special prosecutor team has revealed significant irregularities regarding the investigation into First Lady Kim Keon-hee’s alleged involvement in the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case.

According to indictment documents, Prosecutor Kim Min-gu continued to intervene in the investigation even after being transferred to the Gongju Branch of the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office. Between June and November 2024, Kim exchanged over 3,300 messages and notes with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office investigation team. He reportedly shared, edited, and directly modified investigation reports and statements. Kim also participated in the interrogation of the First Lady at the Presidential Security Service building without a formal deputy command, failing to disclose his change in affiliation to the First Lady or her legal counsel.

Furthermore, the indictment states that the Anti-Corruption Department of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office had previously reported to then-Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung that a charge of aiding and abetting the stock manipulation could be established against Kim Keon-hee. This report followed an appellate court ruling that recognized aiding and abetting in a related case. Despite this internal assessment, the prosecution ultimately decided not to indict the First Lady in October 2024.