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Special Counsel Ends Kim Keon Hee Probe, Alleges Bribes and State Meddling

Unresolved allegations have been sent to national police, with a lower-court sentencing scheduled for Jan. 28.

Overview

  • After a 180-day inquiry, prosecutors reported 76 indictments across related cases, including 20 defendants detained.
  • Investigators say Kim accepted about 377.25 million won in valuables and leveraged her position to sway personnel and nominations, citing items such as Chanel bags, a Graff necklace and a Lee Ufan painting.
  • Kim is indicted in the Deutsch Motors stock-price scheme, with authorities alleging 810 million won in illicit gains from 2010 to 2012.
  • The prosecution earlier asked the court to impose a 15-year prison term and seize 2 billion won, while Kim maintains her innocence.
  • Prosecutors said they lacked sufficient evidence to charge former president Yoon over the gifts, and potential links have been referred to the National Office of Investigation.