South Korean prosecutors announced they will question Kim Keon-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, on Tuesday morning following her arrest late Sunday night. The Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant just before midnight on Aug. 12, immediately sending her to Seoul Southern Detention Center. This marks the first time in South Korea's history that both a former president and their spouse have been detained simultaneously.
The court conducted a four-hour preliminary interrogation before approving the warrant, citing concerns about potential evidence destruction. Kim was processed as a regular detainee - assigned an inmate number, photographed in prison uniform, and given medical checks. She is being held in a small, solitary cell equipped with basic amenities but no bed, requiring her to sleep on floor mats. Her meals consist of standard prison fare, including bread and milk for breakfast, pork kimchi stew for lunch, and cold cucumber soup for dinner.
The Presidential Security Service has withdrawn all protection details for Kim. While former first ladies normally receive ongoing security under South Korean law, these privileges are automatically suspended during detention. A special prosecution team sought Kim's arrest last week, alleging violations of capital market laws through financial support for stock price manipulation between 2009 and 2012, as well as election law interference during her husband's presidential campaign. The case continues to develop as prosecutors prepare for Tuesday's interrogation session.
Related News:
'Too weak to climb stairs': Yoon Suk-yeol misses another sedition trial hearing
S. Korea's special counsel indicts ex-President Yoon under detention
Comment