In a recent event hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, a robotic dog was introduced, sparking controversy due to its connection to Kim Kun-hee. The special prosecutor team, investigating the allegations of high-end watch bribery involving Kim Kun-hee, has summoned former Minister Lee Young of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups as a witness.
Lee appeared at the special prosecutor’s office for the first time to provide testimony regarding the robotic dog project allegedly linked to Kim Kun-hee. The project involved the introduction of robotic dogs at a 2022 ministry event, symbolizing collaboration between Korea and the United States.
There are accusations that the robotic dogs, imported by a company called Ghost Robotics Technologies and allegedly supplied to the Presidential Security Service through improper channels, were linked to bribes involving luxury watches. Businessman Seo Seong-bin, who gifted Kim Kun-hee a watch worth approximately 50 million won, was involved in a promotional contract concerning the robotic dogs valued at 17.9 million won.
Seo, who also appeared for questioning, denied any requests for special favors or receiving preferential treatment. The special prosecutor aims to uncover whether Lee promoted the robotic dogs at the ministry event upon request from Kim Kun-hee.
Despite acknowledging he gave the watch to Kim Kun-hee at a discounted price of 35 million won, Seo maintains he received no business favors. He returned the total amount from the promotional contract to Ghost Robotics after issues arose with the direct contract process.
Previously, the special prosecutor questioned former leaders of the involved companies and the Presidential Security Service about their roles and the circumstances of the contract.