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Self-proclaimed power broker appears before special counsel probing ex-first lady
Self-proclaimed power broker Myung Tae-kyun on Thursday appeared before a special counsel team over an investigation into corruption allegations surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee as a suspect over alleged meddling in election nominations. Myung arrived at special counsel Min Joong-ki's office in central Seoul for the two-day session set to take place through Friday that will likely focus on his ties with Kim and her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol. "I would also like to find wha
July 31, 2025 -
Ex-President Yoon snubs questioning by special counsel in probe into ex-first lady
Arrested former President Yoon Suk Yeol did not appear for questioning by a special counsel team Tuesday over an investigation into various allegations surrounding his wife, former first lady Kim Keon Hee. Yoon, who is currently in custody at Seoul Detention Center, south of Seoul, did not show up at special counsel Min Joong-ki's office for his scheduled appearance over allegations of him and his wife meddling in election nominations. Yoon's side has not submitted any opinions about his non-app
July 29, 2025 -
Yoon’s insurrection trial on hold as courts begin summer recess
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s criminal insurrection trial over his short-lived martial law imposition, will be put on hold, as courts across the country begin a summer recess on Monday. The Seoul Central District Court, where Yoon’s trial is being held, is scheduled to enter a two-week annual summer recess period from Monday to Aug. 8, a notice posted on its website showed Sunday. During this period, the court will have a reduced schedule for hearings. For all civil cases, hearings and prepar
July 27, 2025 -
Ex-Marine chief appears for arrest warrant hearing
Former Marine Corps Commandant Kim Kye-hwan appeared Tuesday for a court hearing to review a warrant for his arrest over allegations that he and other high-ranking officials intervened in an initial probe into the death of a young Marine in 2023. The retired three-star general is suspected of being involved in the alleged interference in the military probe of the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who died while searching for torrential rain victims in July 2023 without safety equipment, such as a life
July 22, 2025 -
Special counsel questions ex-first lady's associate over stock manipulation, influence peddling
A special counsel team was questioning a key associate of former first lady Kim Keon Hee on Monday over allegations he peddled his influence to secure a suspended prison sentence for a business partner. The team, led by special counsel Min Joong-ki, summoned Lee Jong-ho, former head of investment firm Blackpearl Invest, to its office in central Seoul, two days after it raided his home and car. Lee is at the center of multiple cases involving the former first lady, the wife of ousted President Yo
July 21, 2025 -
Ex-President Yoon skips insurrection trial hearing for 2nd time
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol did not attend his insurrection trial for the second time Thursday, saying he will boycott all future hearings unless special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team is removed from the courtroom. Yoon is currently in custody at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, just south of the capital, after a court issued a warrant to arrest him last Thursday over charges related to his attempt to impose martial law in December. A trial on separate charges of insurrection and abuse of p
July 17, 2025 -
Special counsel raids ex-interior minister's home in martial law probe
A special counsel team on Thursday raided the home of former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min as part of its investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law, legal sources said. The team led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk sent prosecutors and investigators to Lee's home in Seoul's southern Gangnam Ward to search for possible evidence of Lee's involvement in the martial law plan. Lee has been suspected of ordering the National Fire Agency after Yoon declared martia
July 17, 2025 -
Special counsel raids home of ex-NIS director in martial law probe
A special counsel team on Wednesday launched a raid on the home of former National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong as part of its investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law. The team led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk was also raiding seven other locations over "destruction of evidence following the insurrection," assistant special counsel Park Ji-young told reporters, referring to the martial law bid in December. The former NIS director is suspe
July 16, 2025 -
Special counsel to question Marine investigator as witness
Special Prosecutor Lee Myeong-hyeon's team looking into the 2023 death of a young Marine said Wednesday it plans to question a former Marine investigator, who led a probe into the death case, as a witness. Col. Park Jung-hun will appear at the special counsel's office in the afternoon to be questioned about the allegations that top military officials and the presidential office intervened in his initial probe of the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who died while searching for torrential rain victims
July 16, 2025 -
Arrested ex-President Yoon skips insurrection trial hearing for 1st time
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol will not attend his insurrection trial Thursday following his arrest hours earlier over his failed attempt to impose martial law. Yoon's lawyers submitted a written reason for absence to the Seoul Central District Court shortly before the 10th hearing of the trial was scheduled to begin. The former president is in custody at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, just south of the capital, after the same court issued a warrant early Thursday to arrest him over charg
July 10, 2025 -
Court to hold arrest warrant hearing for ex-President Yoon on Wednesday
A hearing on whether to issue an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law bid will be held later this week, a court said Monday. The Seoul Central District Court said the hearing has been scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Wednesday following special counsel Cho Eun-suk's request for an arrest warrant the previous day. Yoon plans to attend the hearing in person to present his arguments before the court decides on the warrant later that day or early the next day. Cho's team is
July 7, 2025 -
Special counsel teams launch investigations into ex-first lady, Marine death
Two special counsel teams launched their investigations Wednesday into corruption allegations surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee and the alleged cover-up of an incident involving the 2023 death of a Marine. The teams -- each led by special prosecutors Min Joong-ki and Lee Myeong-hyeon -- marked the launch with signboard-unveiling ceremonies at their offices in central and southern Seoul, respectively. "We will conduct all investigations in a manner that isn't excessive or biased," Min sa
July 2, 2025 -
Special counsel questions ex-PM, industry minister in martial law probe
A special prosecutor investigating former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed bid to impose martial law on Wednesday summoned former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, in a widening probe against then Cabinet members on the night of martial law imposition. Special counsel Cho Eun-suk has been checking whether Yoon abused his power or some Cabinet ministers cooperated with the botched martial law bid on Dec. 3 last year, when the ousted president imposed martial law. Bot
July 2, 2025 -
Ex-President Yoon to appear for special counsel questioning Saturday: lawyers
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol will appear for a special counsel team's second round of questioning over his martial law bid this weekend, his lawyers said Wednesday. Yoon has accepted special counsel Cho Eun-suk's summons to appear at his office at 9 a.m. Saturday after withdrawing an earlier request to change the time to 10 a.m., the lawyers said. "It appears unlikely he will arrive at 9 a.m. sharp, but even if he is 10 to 20 minutes late, he will appear and testify," the lawyers said in a sta
July 2, 2025 -
Outgoing top prosecutor says criminal justice system should be designed under 'farsighted plan'
Outgoing Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung said Wednesday the criminal justice system should be designed under a "farsighted plan" through careful deliberation with all corners of society. Shim made the remark on his final day in office, apparently underscoring his concern about the new Lee Jae Myung administration's push to overhaul the prosecution with a focus on separating its investigative and indictment powers. "I think the criminal justice system should be designed under a farsighted nation
July 2, 2025