0
Ex-first lady Kim Keon-hee / Source: Yonhap News

The special counsel team investigating Kim Keon-hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, conducted a raid on the couple’s residence at Acrovista in Seocho District, Seoul, on July 25.

The office of Special Counsel Min Jung-ki dispatched prosecutors and investigators to secure evidence from the residence in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged shaman lobbying and political nomination interference.

The raid is reportedly tied to suspicions involving a shaman figure known as “Geonjin Beopsa” and businessman Myung Tae-kyun. Investigators are looking into claims that between April and August 2022, members of the Unification Church gave Geonjin luxury gifts — including a Chanel bag and a diamond necklace — intended for Kim, while requesting help on church-related matters.

Kim is also suspected of exerting influence over candidate nominations in the ruling People Power Party through Myung Tae-kyun during the April 2024 general elections and the June 2022 local elections.

Simultaneously, the special counsel’s office launched a wide-ranging search related to alleged favoritism in the Yangpyeong Expressway project. Raids were carried out on the residences and offices of PPP lawmaker Kim Sun-kyo, as well as Kim Keon-hee’s mother and brother.

In addition, starting at 10 a.m., the counsel team was scheduled to question two former presidential aides — Yoo Kyung-ok and Jung Ji-won — who are considered close confidants of Kim, in relation to the shaman lobbying allegations.

Kim Keon-hee has been formally summoned for questioning on August 6.