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Court Extends Kim Keon-hee’s Detention to Aug. 31 as Prosecutors Weigh Indictment

Prosecutors now face an Aug. 31 indictment deadline following a court-approved detention extension.

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Jeon Seong-bae (C), a shaman accused of bribery in connection with former first lady Kim Keon Hee, appears for questioning at the special counsel team's office in central Seoul on Aug. 18, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
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Former first lady Kim Keon Hee leaves the Seoul Central District Court in the capital after attending her arrest warrant hearing, in this file photo taken Aug. 12, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Kim Keon Hee remains in pretrial custody on allegations involving stock manipulation, interference in party nominations, and receipt of luxury gifts linked to the Unification Church.
  • Under South Korean law, the special counsel must indict within the newly extended detention period, and no further extension is allowed.
  • The team sought an arrest warrant for shaman Jeon Seong-bae on bribery and political funds charges tied to gifts allegedly intended for Kim, which he denies delivering.
  • A Unification Church official surnamed Yoon was indicted over allegedly supplying a diamond necklace and Chanel bags to Jeon, as investigators also probe efforts to recruit church members into the People Power Party to influence its 2023 leadership race.
  • Detention for aide Kim Ye-seong was extended to Sept. 1 on embezzlement allegations connected to IMS Mobility, which also faces scrutiny over 18.4 billion won in 2023 investments thought to be influence-driven.