First Lady Kim Keon-hee summoned for questioning over residence construction bribery allegations

South Korea's First Lady, Kim Keon-hee, is set to be summoned for questioning on July 19 as part of a special prosecutor's investigation into allegations surrounding the presidential office's relocation. The probe centers on claims of her involvement in contractor selection and potential bribery related to the expansion of the presidential residence.

Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young's team will question Kim regarding her alleged influence in the selection of 21 Gram, a company reportedly lacking the necessary construction license, for the expansion work at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. This marks the first time Kim will be formally questioned by the special prosecutor's team since its establishment.

During the investigation, prosecutors also uncovered evidence suggesting Kim received bribes, including luxury goods like Dior items, from a fashion and culture company. It is suspected that these gifts may have been exchanged for securing the presidential residence construction contract. The investigation aims to determine the extent of Kim's involvement in directing or influencing the awarding of the contract to 21 Gram.

In related developments, the special prosecutor's team has received written statements from two lawmakers, Kwon Young-jin and Yoon Sang-hyun, who are being investigated for allegedly obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk-yeol by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). The team has summoned two other lawmakers, Na Kyung-won and Kim Ki-hyun, for questioning on July 20, as they have yet to submit their written statements.

These lawmakers are accused of participating in efforts to block the CIO's attempt to execute an arrest warrant for former President Yoon. The report notes that a significant number of lawmakers from the People Power Party gathered at the presidential residence to prevent the warrant's execution on two separate occasions. Former President Yoon was recently sentenced to seven years in prison for charges including obstruction of justice.