Kim Kun-hee, 27 days after arrest, appears before special prosecution… Investigation into ‘Lee U-hwan painting request’

Former Prosecutor Kim Sang-min Questioned on Allegations of “Selling Offices”; Educational Supervisor Also Investigated for “School Violence Cover-up”,

Kim Keon-hee, allegedly linked to the market manipulation of Deutsche Motors, is summoned by the special prosecutor (Min Jung-ki) as a suspect on August 6th, 2025, at the special prosecutor’s office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Seoul=Newsis], “The special prosecutor (Min Jung-ki) investigating Kim Keon-hee’s ‘selling office allegations’ is questioning her on the 25th. This happens a day after she stood trial for various allegations, including Deutsche Motors stock manipulation, election interference by Myung Tae-kyun, the Buddhist monk Kun Jin’s request, and connections to the Unification Church. It is 27 days since she was detained and indicted on the 29th of last month.”

● Investigation into Alleged Bribery for Lee Ufan’s Painting,
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“Kim arrived at the KT West Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, at around 9:49 AM in a Department of Corrections prisoner transport vehicle. The investigation team has charged Kim as a suspect for bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (Special Crimes Act). It is reported that the investigation will focus on whether former President Yoon Seok-yeol was aware in advance of the ‘nomination solicitation scandal’ concerning former Prosecutor Kim Sang-min.”

“Earlier, former prosecutor Kim was arrested on the 18th for purchasing artist Lee Ufan’s painting, ‘From Point No. 800298,’ for 140 million won in January 2023. He then allegedly delivered it to Kim Keon-hee’s brother, Kim Jin-woo, demanding nominations for office (violation of the Anti-Graft Act). Although he was cut off in the nomination screening process, he was appointed as a special legal advisor to the National Intelligence Service four months later, in August last year. The special prosecutor is investigating whether Kim Keon-hee exerted influence on the nomination and appointment process in exchange for receiving this painting, pinpointing the reception date to February 2023.”

“However, both Kim Keon-hee and former prosecutor Kim deny the allegations. Kim’s side states, “There is no fact of delivering the painting to Kim Keon-hee,” and Kim Keon-hee’s side told the Dong-a Ilbo, “She was only aware of the painting’s existence when her brother showed her a photo of it at home early last year and thought, ‘Why buy this painting which has so many forgeries?'”

“In the legal community, the focus is on proving whether Kim Keon-hee and former President Yoon colluded. For bribery charges, it must be proven that a public official received, demanded, or promised a bribe related to their duties. Since Kim Keon-hee was not a public official at the time, it is necessary to prove a conspiracy with public officials like Yoon Seok-yeol to apply the charges.”

● Thorough Investigation into Allegation of “Cover-up of Advisor’s Child’s School Violence”,
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“On this day, the special prosecutor is also thoroughly investigating the suspicion that Kim Keon-hee covered up a school violence incident involving the child of her close associate, former Presidential Office Protocol Secretary Kim Seung-hee. It called in Woo from the Seongnam Office of Education, who was responsible for the practical work of the school violence committee at the time, as a witness. The special prosecutor plans to verify why the school violence committee was delayed and why Kim’s daughter received a class change instead of expulsion, which is the highest level of disciplinary action.”

“This case occurred in July 2023 at an elementary school in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Kim’s daughter, a third grader at the time, repeatedly assaulted a second grader in school on July 10th and 17th using a recorder and fists. Although the school reported it on July 18th and took actions swiftly to protect the victim, the school violence committee wasn’t convened until September 21st, two months later. The controversy arose when the committee decided on a class change instead of expulsion by a margin of one vote.”

“Recently, media reports revealed that Kim Keon-hee spoke with Jang Sang-yun, then Vice Minister of Education, for eight minutes the day after the attendance suspension on Kim’s child, raising suspicions of external influence.”

“Based on these circumstances, the special prosecutor suspects Kim Keon-hee might have intervened to suppress the school violence issue concerning her close associate’s child. Former Protocol Secretary Kim previously worked at an event and exhibition planning company before joining Yoon Seok-yeol’s campaign team in the 20th presidential election, handling publicity planning. It is known that Kim Keon-hee formed a connection with Kim in 2009 through an advanced program at Korea University’s Graduate School of Journalism.”