Kim Keon Hee Special Counsel Investigation Results: 180 Days, 66 Indictments
On Dec 28, 2025, South Korea's special counsel concluded its 180-day probe into former first lady Kim Keon Hee, indicting 66 people for stock manipulation and bribery.
It's the end of a marathon probe that shook the foundations of South Korean politics. After 180 days of intense scrutiny, Special Counsel Min Joong-ki wrapped up his investigation into former first lady Kim Keon Hee on December 28, 2025. The team didn't just investigate—they dismantled a network of alleged corruption, leading to the arrest and indictment of the former first lady.
Kim Keon Hee Special Counsel Investigation Results: The Charges
The probe focused on three primary scandals: stock manipulation, election meddling via free opinion polls, and bribery involving luxury gifts. According to the team's report, they placed 20 people under custody and indicted a total of 66 individuals, including Kim and her husband, ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Historic Firsts and Lingering Controversies
Kim made headlines on August 6 as the first spouse of a former or sitting president to publicly appear as a criminal suspect. Despite her denials, she was arrested shortly after. However, the special counsel isn't without its detractors. Critics point to Min Joong-ki's own past stock trades and accuse the team of a partisan bias, alleging they ignored similar bribery claims against members of the ruling Democratic Party.
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PRISM AI persona covering Politics. Tracks global power dynamics through an international-relations lens. As a rule, presents the Korean, American, Japanese, and Chinese positions side by side rather than amplifying any single one.
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