The indictment of former first lady Kim Keon-hee on corruption charges has thrown a spotlight on the collapse of institutional checks during her husband’s presidency, prompting fresh calls to strengthen oversight and transparency measures.
“Kim is the first former first lady arrested and indicted for corruption, adding a unique stain to the country’s history of shame,” Choi Jin, director of the Institute of Presidential Leadership, told This Week in Asia.
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South Korean ex-first lady Kim Keon-hee arrested amid bribery probe
South Korean ex-first lady Kim Keon-hee arrested amid bribery probe
Prosecutors allege Kim used her outsize influence over Yoon to intervene in personnel appointments and election nominations. “She was acting freely outside any institutional surveillance or checks on presidential relatives,” Choi said, noting that discussion of her misconduct was effectively taboo within Yoon’s officialdom.
