South Korea’s former first woman has been arrested over a string of expenses together with inventory manipulation and bribery.
Kim Keon Hee, 52, denied all expenses in opposition to her throughout a courtroom listening to on Tuesday that lasted 4 hours. The Seoul courtroom issued a warrant to detain her late within the day, citing dangers that she might destroy proof in any other case.
That is the primary time in South Korea’s historical past {that a} former president and his partner are in jail on the similar time.
Kim’s husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was detained earlier to face trial over a failed martial regulation bid final yr that plunged the nation into political turmoil and ultimately led to his ouster.
Prosecutors say Kim, 52, remodeled 800 million gained ($577,940; £428,000) by taking part in a price-rigging scheme involving the shares of Deutsch Motors, a BMW seller in South Korea.
Whereas this allegedly occurred earlier than her husband was elected the nation’s chief, it continued to solid a shadow all through his presidency.
She allegedly additionally accepted two Chanel luggage and a diamond necklace as bribes from the controversial Unification Church in alternate for enterprise favours.
Amongst different expenses, Kim can be accused of meddling in candidate nominations in the course of the parliamentary by-elections in 2022 and the overall elections final yr.
Kim appeared solemn as she attended Tuesday’s listening to carrying a black go well with and a black skirt.
“I sincerely apologise for inflicting bother regardless of being an individual of no significance,” she informed reporters.
Whereas he was president, Yoon vetoed three opposition-led payments that sought a particular counsel investigation into allegations in opposition to Kim.
He issued the final veto in November, every week earlier than he declared martial regulation.
A particular counsel was arrange in June this yr after Yoon’s rival Lee Jae Myung grew to become president.
