Special Prosecutor Summons Han Ducksoo Over Kim Keonhee Influence Peddling Allegations... Launches Full-Scale Probe Into Jongmyo Tea Gathering Scandal

Allegations of Influence Peddling in Seohee Construction Son-in-Law's Appointment as Chief Secretary
Investigation of Jongmyo Tea Gathering Allegations Includes Interviews with Shrine Management Officials
Abuse of Authority Charges Considered Over P

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo appeared before Special Prosecutor Min Jungki's team on September 9 as a witness in connection with suspicions of influence peddling involving Kim Gunhee and Seohee Construction. Previously, Han had been investigated by Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok's team for alleged complicity in insurrection, and has now also been summoned by the special investigation team for Kim Gunhee.

Yonhap News Agency

During a regular briefing that day, a spokesperson for the special prosecutor's team stated, "We are conducting a witness interview with former Prime Minister Han without any issues, starting from 2 p.m." Upon arriving at the special prosecutor's office, Han did not respond to reporters' questions regarding whether former President Yoon Sukyeol and his wife were involved in the appointment of former Chief of Staff Park Sunggeun, or whether he was aware of any monetary gifts from Seohee Construction to Kim Gunhee, and proceeded directly into the office.

Lee Bonggwan, Chairman of Seohee Construction, previously submitted a written confession stating that in March 2022, he gifted Kim Gunhee luxury jewelry, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, and requested that his son-in-law, attorney Park Sunggeun, be given an opportunity to serve in public office. In reality, about three months after the necklace was delivered, attorney Park was appointed as Chief of Staff to then-Prime Minister Han Ducksoo.

The special prosecutor's team is expected to focus on the role played by former President Yoon and his wife in the process of appointing attorney Park as Chief of Staff, as well as whether the Van Cleef & Arpels necklace was provided in exchange for the appointment.

On the morning of the same day, Kim Sangmin, a former deputy chief prosecutor and a key figure in the allegations of nomination interference involving Kim Gunhee, also appeared before the special prosecutor's team for questioning.

Investigation Expands to Kim Gunhee's 'Jongmyo Tea Gathering' and Alleged Cover-up of Secretary's Child's School Violence

Additionally, the special prosecutor's team has launched a full-scale investigation into suspicions surrounding Kim Gunhee's "Jongmyo tea gathering." Following the indictment of Kim Gunhee on major charges such as the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case, the team is now accelerating its probe into the remaining allegations.

Yoon Sukyeol's wife Kim Gunhee is coming out after the detention hearing (warrant review) held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 12th. 2025.08.12 Photo by Joint Press Corps

A spokesperson for the special prosecutor's team stated, "The special prosecutor is investigating allegations that private citizen Kim Gunhee unlawfully used Mangmyoru, a restricted-access area of Jongmyo Shrine, which is a national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage site, for a private tea gathering with acquaintances on a day when the area was closed to the public."

Having already questioned public officials such as the head of the Jongmyo Management Office, the special prosecutor's team plans to summon and question Yoo Kyungok, a former presidential office administrator who accompanied Kim Gunhee, on the 12th.

It was revealed that on September 3 of last year, Kim Gunhee held a tea gathering with outsiders at Mangmyoru in Jongmyo Shrine, raising suspicions that she used a national treasure for private purposes. The special prosecutor's team is currently reviewing various legal theories, including the possible application of abuse of authority charges against Kim Gunhee.

The special prosecutor's team has also launched a preliminary investigation into allegations that Kim Gunhee was involved in covering up a school violence incident involving the child of Kim Seunghee, former presidential protocol secretary. The team stated that it has obtained necessary documents from relevant institutions, including the Seongnam Office of Education, to determine whether there was any improper external pressure from Kim Gunhee or others.