• South Korean prosecutors have questioned ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee over corruption allegations.
• Prosecutors are seeking an arrest warrant, marking a historical first in South Korea.
• Kim faces charges including stock manipulation, bribery, and election meddling.
• Her husband, ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, remains in custody over martial law declaration.
• Kim has publicly apologized, asserting her willingness to cooperate with investigators.

On August 6, South Korean prosecutors interrogated former first lady Kim Keon Hee regarding various allegations, including stock manipulation, bribery, and election meddling. Her questioning occurred as her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is in detention following his controversial martial law declaration in December 2024, which was subsequently overturned by parliament. Prosecutors plan to seek an arrest warrant for Kim, which if granted, would set a historical precedent as the first instance in South Korea that both a former president and first lady face arrest simultaneously, according to lemonde, channelnewsasia, and thejakartapost.

Kim, 52, has been embroiled in controversy for years, with accusations of colluding with traders to artificially inflate stock prices between 2009 and 2012. She is also accused of accepting luxury gifts such as a $2,200 designer handbag and engaging in improper influence on political nominations within Yoon's party, in violation of existing election laws. Her public apology came with the statement that she intends to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, as reported by indiatimes and trtglobal.

As the public and media closely observe the unfolding events, Kim's appearance at the prosecutor's office attracted significant attention, with supporters rallying outside pleading for fair treatment amid growing public criticism. Kim's investigation is part of a larger narrative surrounding Yoon's presidency, which faced challenges and impeachment over his proposed martial law, leading to political turmoil and a snap election. Critics argue that Yoon's previous vetoes on investigation bills regarding his wife indicate an attempt at deflection from accountability, according to reuters and aa.

On August 7, following Kim's questioning, special prosecutors formally sought a detention warrant for her. This move underscores the severity of the allegations being examined, which threaten to significantly impact her and Yoon's political legacies. Along with ongoing investigations into both Kim and Yoon, this corruption case reflects a longstanding pattern of political turmoil in South Korea that continues to elicit considerable public outrage and media scrutiny, as noted by reuters and aa.