 |
Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] The special counsel investigating allegations of stock manipulation involving Deutsche Motors and South Korea’s First Lady Kim Keon-hee has questioned former SBS anchor Kim Beom-soo as part of its widening probe.
According to reports on August 3, the special prosecutor’s office (led by Min Joong-ki) summoned Kim to its Seoul office at KT Gwanghwamun West Building for questioning as a reference witness.
Kim previously served two terms as an internal director at Cobana Contents, an exhibition planning company founded and headed by First Lady Kim.
Investigators are reportedly examining whether Kim Keon-hee shared information related to Deutsche Motors stock manipulation with Kim Beom-soo and whether he engaged in trading based on such information.
The special counsel is focusing on whether the First Lady’s role went beyond simply providing funds. If evidence shows she was aware of the alleged scheme, encouraged purchases, or facilitated meetings between Kim and manipulation ringleaders, prosecutors may consider charges of aiding, abetting, or even conspiracy.
On the same day, the team also summoned Kwon Oh-soo, former chairman of Deutsche Motors, who has already been convicted for his role in manipulating the company’s stock between 2009 and 2012. Kwon’s sentence — three years in prison with a four-year suspended term — was upheld by the Supreme Court.
The questioning of key figures comes as the special counsel prepares to summon First Lady Kim Keon-hee for direct questioning on August 6, marking a critical stage in the high-profile investigation.
AlphaBIZ Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
