Fri Aug 29 03:18:14 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
South Korea’s former First Lady Kim Keon Hee and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo were indicted following special investigations launched after the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kim is charged with financial crimes, bribery, and influencing elections, while Han is accused of abetting Yoon’s imposition of martial law. The investigations, initiated under President Lee Jae Myung, targeted Yoon’s actions and the imposition of martial law. Yoon himself was previously removed from office and rearrested in connection to the same decree.
**News Article:**
**Former South Korean First Lady, Prime Minister Indicted in Aftermath of Presidential Impeachment**
**SEOUL -** In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo have been indicted on Friday (August 29, 2025) in connection with special investigations launched in the wake of Yoon’s impeachment. The move further intensifies the political turmoil that has gripped the nation since the former president’s removal.
Kim Keon Hee faces charges of violating financial market and political funding laws, as well as accepting bribes. These charges come just two weeks after a court ordered her arrest. Simultaneously, Han Duck-soo, who served as Prime Minister under Yoon, stands accused of abetting Yoon’s imposition of martial law, a move deemed a “rebellion” by investigators. Han is also charged with falsifying and destroying official documents and providing false testimony.
The indictments are the result of three special prosecutor investigations initiated under the government of current President Lee Jae Myung. These investigations have targeted Yoon’s presidency and the actions surrounding the martial law decree he issued last December. Several of Yoon’s former officials, including his Defense Minister, military commanders, and police officers, have already been arrested for their involvement.
Former President Yoon was removed from office in April and subsequently rearrested last month over his December martial law decree. Investigators believe that Ms. Kim and Mr. Yoon exerted undue influence on the conservative People Power Party to nominate a specific candidate in a 2022 legislative by-election, allegedly at the request of election broker Myung Tae-kyun.
While Ms. Kim recently issued an apology for causing public concern, she hinted at denying the allegations against her, framing herself as an “insignificant” figure. Assistant special counsel Park Ji-young emphasized that Han, as the highest official, had the power to block Yoon’s martial law attempt but instead actively participated in attempting to legitimize it.
Han maintains that he conveyed his opposition to the martial law plan to Yoon. Following Yoon’s impeachment in December, Han served as acting leader of South Korea until his resignation to pursue a presidential nomination, which ultimately went to another candidate within the conservative party.
The ongoing investigations and indictments have deepened the political divide in South Korea and continue to raise questions about the integrity of the previous administration. The trial of Kim Keon Hee and Han Duck-soo is expected to be closely watched, and the outcome could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape.
First Piper 