Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee Summoned Over Presidential Residence Relocation
Quick Look
- South Korea's special counsel team has summoned former first lady Kim Keon Hee for questioning regarding alleged irregularities in the 2022 relocation of the presidential residence.
- She is suspected of involvement in selecting the construction company, 21 Gram, due to past ties.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
A special counsel team is investigating alleged irregularities in the 2022 relocation of South Korea's presidential residence. Former first lady Kim Keon Hee is being questioned.
GWACHEON, South Korea, July 13 (Yonhap) -- A special counsel team said Monday it has summoned former first lady Kim Keon Hee for questioning over alleged irregularities in the relocation of the presidential residence in 2022.
The team led by special counsel Kwon Chang-young has asked the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol to appear for questioning Sunday morning, assistant special counsel Kim Ji-mi said at a press briefing.
"We plan to question her about allegations that she was involved in selecting the construction company," she said, referring to 21 Gram, an interior design company that renovated the new presidential residence in Seoul's Yongsan Ward, following its relocation from Cheong Wa Dae in 2022.
The special counsel team suspects 21 Gram won the project despite being unqualified due to its past ties to the former first lady.
Incumbent President Lee Jae Myung has returned the presidential residence to Cheong Wa Dae, along with the presidential office that was relocated to the defense ministry compound under Yoon.
Open Questions
- What specific role did Kim Keon Hee play?
- What evidence links her to 21 Gram?
- What are the consequences if wrongdoing is found?
