Prosecutors raid home of ex-President Roh Tae-woo's widow over alleged slush funds

Prosecutors have launched searches of properties linked to Kim Ok-suk, the widow of former South Korean President Roh Tae-woo, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged hidden slush funds and tax evasion. The searches targeted Kim's residence in Seoul and facilities associated with the East Asia Cultural Foundation, where her son Roh Jae-heon serves as chairman.

The probe gained significant traction following revelations during the high-profile divorce case between SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Roh So-young. Roh So-young submitted a memo, reportedly written by her mother Kim Ok-suk, detailing approximately 90.4 billion won in funds. This memo allegedly includes a 30 billion won transaction involving the former Sunkyong Group chairman, Chey Tae-won's father, Choi Jong-hyun.

Following the disclosure of these allegations in the divorce proceedings, several complaints were filed against Kim Ok-suk, Roh So-young, and Roh Jae-heon. These complaints accuse them of concealing slush funds and evading taxes. Further allegations suggest the Roh family may have hidden as much as 126.6 billion won, including funds allegedly managed through insurance policies and contributions to public foundations.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office has been tracing the flow of funds using financial account data. The seized materials are currently under analysis, and prosecutors plan to question relevant individuals sequentially. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged illicit funds and hold those responsible accountable.