Seoul – In a significant development in ongoing corruption investigations, former President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared before a special counsel team on Saturday, December 20, 2025, for questioning as a suspect regarding allegations tied to his wife, former First Lady Kim Keon Hee. This marked Yoon's first interrogation in the probe led by special counsel Min Joong-ki, which was initiated in July 2025 to examine various corruption claims surrounding Kim.
Yoon, who remains in detention facing separate charges related to his controversial martial law declaration, is accused of acting as an accomplice in instances where Kim allegedly received luxury gifts and favors in exchange for political influence. Specific allegations include Kim's receipt of free opinion polls valued at approximately 270 million won ($183,000) from political broker Myung Tae-kyun, in potential violation of the Political Funds Act, and acceptance of a valuable painting worth 140 million won from a former prosecutor, potentially constituting bribery.
Prosecutors suspect Yoon may have intervened in party nominations or exerted influence to facilitate these exchanges. For instance, investigators are examining whether Yoon helped secure nominations for individuals linked to those providing gifts or services to Kim. Yoon's legal team, however, maintains his innocence, with his lawyer stating that the former president was "completely unaware" of his wife's alleged receipt of valuables.
The special counsel probe has encompassed broader accusations against Kim, including stock manipulation, interference in state affairs, and accepting expensive items from figures seeking favors, such as construction company executives and others. Kim herself has been under arrest since August 2025 and is facing trial on multiple corruption charges, marking her as the first former South Korean first lady to be detained and indicted in such a manner.
Yoon's appearance comes amid a backdrop of intense political turmoil following his ouster from office earlier in 2025. He was impeached and removed after a short-lived attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, which prosecutors have described as an insurrection plot. Yoon is currently on trial for those charges, which carry severe penalties including potential life imprisonment.
The special counsel investigation into Kim's affairs gained momentum after Yoon's removal, with opposition-led efforts overcoming previous vetoes during his presidency. The probe's timeline is nearing its conclusion, adding urgency to the questioning of Yoon.
This latest session highlights the unprecedented legal scrutiny facing the former presidential couple, both of whom are detained in separate facilities while undergoing parallel trials. It underscores lingering divisions in South Korean politics, with Yoon's supporters viewing the investigations as politically motivated, while critics argue they are essential for accountability.
The outcome of these probes could further shape public perception of Yoon's administration and influence ongoing debates about corruption and governance in the country.
