South Korea’s Ex‑First Lady Faces Arrest Warrant: What’s Happening?

KHUSHI KUMARI

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Prosecutors have requested a court-issued arrest warrant for former First Lady Kim Keon‑hee, marking a historic moment where both an ex-president and his spouse face legal action

She is under investigation for stock fraud, bribery, and illegal influence peddling, including accusations of receiving luxury gifts like Chanel bags and a diamond necklace

On Wednesday, Kim was questioned for approximately seven hours by special prosecutors. She issued a public apology for causing concern but did not directly answer media questions

Her husband, former President Yoon Suk‑yeol, remains in detention facing separate charges for his brief imposition of martial law and now resists questioning related to his wife’s case

If the warrant is approved, this would be the first time in South Korea’s history that a former First Lady faces arrest alongside an ex-president

These developments stem from a broader push by special prosecutors to hold powerful figures accountable—including investigations into election manipulation and the unlawful receipt of gifts through religious intermediaries