For the first time in South Korean history, the spouse of a former president has been officially accused and detained. Kim Gon Hi, the wife of former president Yun Sok Yol, has been held in a detention center since August 12 of this year. She has not yet been officially charged, but if charges are announced, she could be held in custody for up to six months.
Her husband – former president Yun Sok Yol – was previously arrested for allegedly organizing a state coup. Recently, on August 29, another special prosecutor officially charged former South Korean Prime Minister and acting president Han Dok-su. This marks a new stage in political crime and corruption investigations in the country.
According to the special prosecutor’s office, Kim Gon Hi was questioned five times during the investigation, but each time she refused to give statements. Her charges include fraud involving Deutsch Motors company shares between 2009–2012, accepting expensive gifts, and illegal interference in the selection of candidates for parliamentary elections.
Additionally, another prosecutor handling the case related to the declaration of a state of emergency accused former Prime Minister Han Dok-su of aiding rebels and falsifying official documents. The court had previously rejected the request for his detention, but the prosecutor emphasized that Han Dok-su, holding a high government position, had the ability to cancel the unlawful state of emergency, and his actions were lawful.
These unprecedented events carry historical significance in South Korea’s political and social life. The public and experts are closely monitoring the case, as it sends a new signal against corruption and misconduct in government leadership.
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