Growing scandal grips South KoreaーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Now to Korea. A special council investigating the wife of ousted South Korean president Yuno has requested an arrest warrant. Kim Goni faces multiple charges including bribery and a violation of the political funds act. Kim appeared for questioning at the special prosecutor’s office in Soul on Wednesday. She’s embroiled in several corruption scandals that undermine her husband before he was removed from office earlier this year. I am truly sorry that a nobody like me has caused concern to the people. I will fully cooperate with the investigation. Earlier I spoke with NHK awards Kim Chanju who was in front of the sole building housing the special council office for more Chanju. This issue has definitely captured the national interest. Tell us more. The special council summons of former first lady Kim has set off an intense response. Uh her photo is featured in most major newspapers and her remark to reporters I’m a nobody was played up. Public reaction was divided. Uh many citizens strongly believed Kim should definitely be investigated and supported her public summons. Some were frustrated by protest against the investigation asking why people are defending somebody who has so obviously done wrong. But a group of supporters held rallies uh with signs such as protect first lady Kim Gani’s rights as a woman. The scene turned chaotic at times. Chanju, what did prosecutors question Kim about? Kim faces about 16 allegations total, but on Wednesday uh the special prosecutors looked into five according to the summons. It was reported uh prosecutors had 100 pages of questions. First is alleged stock manipulation involving a car importer. Kim is suspected of having played the role of a funding source for officials there who allegedly manipulated stock prices between 2009 and 2012. Kim is also accused of meddling in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary bi-elections and the 2024 general elections as well as receiving luxury handbags and jewelry from a former unification church executive. Prosecutors are also investigating suspicions that Kim failed to report a necklace she wore when she visited Spain in 2022. Uh this would be a potential violation asset disclosure rules which require South Korean politicians and public servants to declare assets exceeding 5 million1 or approximately $6,000. Kim is said to have consistently denied the allegations. She reportedly insisted that she was unaware of any stock manipulation. Kim also said the necklace was not an authentic piece but a replica gifted by her mother around 15 years ago. She borrowed it for the overseas trip. This special counsel has a legally limited amount of time for the investigation. Correct. Time is the greatest enemy. The special counsel has a total of 110 days, including a 20-day preparation period. Uh they may request two 30-day extensions. Since investigations were officially launched on July 2nd, everything must wrap up by December at the latest. This isn’t a lot of time given the number of allegations. Uh now, the investigation team has requested an arrest warrant. Analysts suggest the team may be worried about potential destruction of evidence.
Prosecutors requested an arrest warrant for the former South Korean first lady on Thursday. She faces multiple charges including influence peddling in a growing scandal that has obsessed the nation. #asia #southkorea #analysis
More stories on South Korea: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/39/
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