Special Prosecutor to Summon Kim Keonhee for Questioning on the 25th over 'Lee Ufan Painting Bribery Allegations'

First Summons 27 Days After Indictment
Former County Head and Broker Also Questioned Over Nomination Involvement

The special prosecutor team led by Min Jungki, which is investigating various allegations against Kim Keonhee, will summon her for questioning on the 25th. This is to clarify suspicions that she received an expensive painting from former Deputy Prosecutor Kim Sangmin in exchange for helping secure a nomination in the general election. This will be the first time Kim Keonhee is summoned since she was indicted and detained on July 29.

Kim Keonhee, wife of former President Yoon Sukyeol, who is accused of violating the Capital Markets and Financial Investment Services Act, the Political Funds Act, and the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (bribery mediation), is leaving the courtroom after the pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant review) held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on August 12, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Special Prosecutor Park Sangjin announced at a regular briefing on the afternoon of the 22nd, "In relation to the case involving the detained former prosecutor Kim, Kim Keonhee is scheduled to be summoned at 10 a.m. on the 25th."

The special prosecutor team is expected to focus this investigation on the alleged nomination solicitation involving former prosecutor Kim. He is accused of purchasing the painting "From Point No. 800298" by artist Lee Ufan for 140 million won and delivering it to Kim Keonhee's older brother, Kim Jinwoo, while soliciting support for a nomination in the general election last April. In the arrest warrant for former prosecutor Kim, Kim Keonhee was specified as the recipient of the painting.

Former prosecutor Kim has denied the charges, claiming, "I only brokered the purchase of the painting at Mr. Kim's request." However, on the 18th, the court issued an arrest warrant for him at the request of the special prosecutor team, citing concerns over the potential destruction of evidence.

After securing custody of former prosecutor Kim, the special prosecutor team questioned Mr. Kim as a reference on the 19th, and is expected to accelerate the investigation by questioning Kim Keonhee, who has been identified as the recipient, on the 25th.

Investigation into 'Geonjin Buddhist Monk's Involvement in Nominations' Also Accelerates

Additionally, the special prosecutor team is investigating Park Nowook, former head of Bonghwa County, and a broker identified as Mr. Kim from 10 a.m. today regarding allegations that former Buddhist monk Jeon Seongbae, known as Geonjin, was involved in nomination solicitations.

The special prosecutor team believes that Mr. Kim was involved in nomination solicitations for Park Hyeonguk, the current Bonghwa County head, Park Changuk, a Gyeongbuk provincial council member, and other People Power Party candidates in the Gyeongbuk region. Mr. Kim was arrested on September 15 on charges of violating the Political Funds Act.

Former county head Park, who served as Bonghwa County head from 2010 to 2018, appeared before the special prosecutor as a reference today.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.