A major bribery probe into former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee intensified Friday as investigators carried out sweeping raids. They searched homes and offices linked to Kim, her relatives, and a ruling party lawmaker. The raids, led by special counsel Min Joong-ki, aim to uncover documents and digital records tied to growing allegations of corruption.
Authorities suspect Kim of having ties to two controversial figures—shaman Jeon Seong-bae, also known as Geon Jin, and political fixer Myung Tae-kyun. These connections have fueled public interest ahead of Kim’s expected summons on August 6.
At the center of the bribery probe is a high-value gift scandal. Prosecutors suspect a senior official from the Unification Church tried to lobby Kim through Jeon. Allegedly, the official offered a diamond necklace valued at 60 million won and multiple Chanel handbags following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s 2022 election win.
Jeon reportedly accepted the items but later claimed he lost them. Kim’s legal team denied she ever received the gifts. Friday’s raids are part of renewed efforts to locate physical evidence tied to the luxury items and confirm any exchange.
Investigators are also examining Kim’s alleged interference in the People Power Party’s candidate selection process. Myung allegedly received around 90 million won from former lawmaker Kim Yong-sun between 2022 and 2024. In return, Myung may have promised to sway candidate picks using his ties to the then-presidential couple.
Testimony suggests Kim offered political rewards in exchange for support. She allegedly promised a ministerial or agency position to back a favored candidate in the 2024 general election. The district in question was previously held by lawmaker Kim Yong-sun.
The bribery probe also covers a housing project in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Investigators raided the residence of Kim’s mother, Choi Eun-soon, and her brother, Kim Jin-woo. Their company, ESI&D, reportedly received preferential treatment in zoning and fee exemptions from 2011 to 2016.
In a related move, Rep. Kim Sun-gyo of the ruling People Power Party also came under scrutiny. Authorities searched his office because he previously served as county governor during the Yangpyeong housing project. They suspect he pushed to reroute the Seoul-Yangpyeong expressway through land owned by Kim’s family.
Previously, police had only indicted Kim’s brother and several ESI&D officials for document forgery. Kim’s mother was cleared, and Kim herself was not investigated. Now, with new evidence and testimony, the case has expanded dramatically.
The bribery probe reveals a complex web of gifts, land dealings, and political favors. Prosecutors are preparing for Kim’s August 6 summons, which could become a key turning point in the investigation.
