First Lady Kim Keon-hee attends special prosecutor's probe over residence relocation allegations

First Lady Kim Keon-hee appeared before a special prosecutor's team on July 22 to answer questions about allegations surrounding the relocation of the presidential residence. This marks her first in-person questioning by the special prosecutor's office since its launch 147 days ago.

Kim is being investigated as a suspect on charges of bribery and abuse of power related to the presidential residence's move. She arrived discreetly through the underground parking lot of the special prosecutor's office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, via a prison transport vehicle. The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances under which the company '21 Gram,' which lacked the necessary construction licenses, secured the renovation contract for the residence. Prosecutors are also expected to question Kim about the details, purpose, and timeline of receiving luxury goods.

The investigation was initially scheduled for July 19 but was postponed twice. The special prosecutor's team suspects that '21 Gram' obtained the contract through its relationship with Kim, having previously sponsored exhibitions by her company, Covana Contents. The company reportedly provided Kim with expensive luxury items in exchange for the contract, bypassing standard bidding procedures.

This investigation builds upon previous inquiries. A prior special prosecutor's team had secured evidence, including "Dior luxury items," during searches last November. They concluded that the wife of '21 Gram's' CEO had given Kim money and gifts to secure the residence renovation project. The current special prosecutor's team has reportedly uncovered further evidence of luxury goods being given to Kim by a fashion company.

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The First Lady arrived discreetly through the underground parking lot of the special prosecutor's office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, via a prison transport vehicle.