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

South Korean prosecutors have launched a forceful investigation into alleged slush funds connected to former President Roh Tae-woo, raiding the Seoul home of his wife, Kim Ok-suk. The operation, conducted by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, is examining accusations of concealing criminal proceeds and tax evasion.

The investigation's scope extends beyond Kim's residence. Prosecutors also searched the East Asia Cultural Center, headed by Roh's son-in-law, Chinese Ambassador Roh Jae-heon, and the homes of former presidential aides implicated in providing nominee accounts for the alleged fund creation. These actions signal a significant escalation in the probe into the former first family's finances.

The probe gained momentum after the 5.18 Memorial Foundation filed a complaint against the Roh family for allegedly hiding assets and evading taxes. The allegations surfaced prominently during the contentious divorce proceedings between Roh's daughter, Roh So-young, and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won. Roh So-young's side claimed in an appellate court that 30 billion won of her father's slush fund was used for the benefit of SK Group.