Kim Maintains "No Memory" Stance... Geonjin Monk Waives Warrant Hearing

Since Kim Gunhee was taken into custody, she has consistently maintained a stance of “not knowing” regarding the allegations surrounding her. This marks a complete reversal from her previous approach during pre-arrest questioning, where she did not exercise her right to remain silent and provided detailed explanations regarding the charges. The Min Jungki Special Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigation by pressuring people close to Kim in an effort to get her to talk. The detention period for Kim has also been extended until August 31.

Yoon Sukyeol's wife Kim Gunhee is leaving the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after attending the pre-arrest detention hearing on the afternoon of the 12th. 2025.08.12. Photo by Joint Press Corps

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According to the special prosecutor’s team on August 21, since being detained, Kim has exercised her right to remain silent for most questions during questioning, and for some, she has responded that she either does not remember or is unsure. The third round of questioning, which was scheduled for the previous day, was postponed by one day due to health reasons and will be conducted at 2 p.m. today.

After securing custody of Kim, the special prosecutor’s team began investigating allegations of improper election and nomination interference. While Kim has complied with the summons from the team, she has effectively refused to testify and has been uncooperative with the investigation. It appears that she is being cautious with her words, likely considering that her statements could be used against her in future court proceedings. She may also believe that testifying in an open trial would be more advantageous than clarifying her position with the special prosecutor’s team. Additionally, since a detention warrant was requested despite her detailed explanations during pre-arrest questioning, she may have concluded that cooperating with the investigation would be of no benefit.

In response, the special prosecutor’s team is not relying on Kim’s testimony but is instead summoning and questioning key figures involved in the allegations one by one to put pressure on her. The team has requested a detention warrant for Jeon Seongbae, a geomancer close to Kim, and continues to summon and question Kim Yesung, known as Kim’s housekeeper, as well as Lee Jongho, former CEO of Black Pearl Invest and Kim’s financial manager, to piece together the case. When indicting Kim, the special prosecutor’s team is expected to specify in the indictment the relationships between Kim and these individuals, as well as their alleged criminal activities.

It seems unlikely that Kim will change her stance during the remaining detention period. Even without her testimony, the special prosecutor’s team is not at a disadvantage, as they have already secured various pieces of evidence and statements from related parties regarding the alleged crimes. However, there are concerns that Kim’s refusal to testify could allow her to simply confirm the cards held by the special prosecutor’s team.

Jeon Seongbae, a geomancer who was identified as the channel through which various solicitations were conveyed to Kim Gunhee, is entering the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the Minjungki Special Prosecutor's Office is located on August 18, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongju

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During Kim’s detention, the special prosecutor’s team plans to accelerate preparations for indictment by simultaneously questioning related parties. Meanwhile, Jeon has waived the pre-arrest detention hearing scheduled for this morning at the Seoul Central District Court. On the evening of the previous day, Jeon informed the special prosecutor’s team through his attorney that he would forgo the hearing. Jeon is waiting at the court for the results of the detention review.

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