Special counsel investigation into former first lady Kim Keon Hee deepened Tuesday with extensive raids across police agencies and political figures. Specifically, prosecutors conducted searches at the Korean National Police Agency and several private homes as part of the widening corruption probe.
The special counsel investigation team announced the operation, confirming they had a search warrant and were cooperating with police to obtain key documents. Additionally, they also searched Chuncheon Police Station, located 75 kilometers from Seoul, aiming to access records from earlier inquiries.
Officials are examining allegations that the Unification Church engaged in illegal gambling and lobbying efforts. According to reports, the church spent more than 60 billion won ($44 million) gambling in Las Vegas casinos between 2008 and 2011.
Chuncheon Police started investigating these claims in June 2022. The inquiry focused on church leader Han Hak-ja and other senior figures. However, after learning about the probe, the church allegedly tried to halt the investigation.
Moreover, sources say the church may have contacted close allies of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Consequently, prosecutors are now investigating whether lobbying attempts aimed to obstruct the police investigation or influence decisions.
The special counsel investigation also targets political interference linked to the People Power Party (PPP). For example, authorities searched the office and home of current PPP lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun in Seoul. They also raided the home of former PPP lawmaker Kim Young-sun in Changwon. In a related action, prosecutors searched former prosecutor Kim Sang-min’s residence. He is believed to be a favored candidate for the 2024 general election under Kim Keon Hee’s influence.
In 2022, Yoon allegedly tried to influence PPP candidate nominations. A recorded phone call from May 2022 revealed Yoon speaking with power broker Myung Tae-kyun. In that call, Yoon reportedly offered to direct Rep. Yoon to back Kim Young-sun’s candidacy.
Similarly, allegations surround the 2024 elections. Prosecutors suspect Kim Keon Hee tried to promote Kim Sang-min’s nomination in the same district. Special Counsel Min Joong-ki is leading the probe. Investigators plan to summon key individuals in the coming weeks. Overall, this special counsel investigation represents a crucial moment for political and religious accountability in Korea.
