Special Prosecutor Rejects Kim Kun-hee's Request for Consultation... Cho Hyun-sang to be Summoned on the 1st of Next Month

[Financial News] The special prosecutor team of Kim Kun-hee (Min Jung-ki) rejected the request for consultation from Mrs. Kim's side.
Moon Hong-joo, the deputy special prosecutor, stated on the 23rd that a request for consultation regarding the investigation method was received from the attorney who received Mrs. Kim's summons notice, but it was rejected. Deputy Special Prosecutor Moon explained, "The special prosecutor conveyed that separate consultation is unnecessary and that attending on the notified date is sufficient."
According to the special prosecutor, Mrs. Kim's side asked if it was possible to visit for consultation, but the special prosecutor team conveyed that there were no matters to consult as the summons date is about two weeks away. It is known that Mrs. Kim's attorney requested the special prosecutor to investigate one allegation per day due to Mrs. Kim's poor health. However, it was understood that Mrs. Kim's side did not request a written investigation or a private summons.
The date for the summons investigation of Cho Hyun-sang, vice chairman of HS Hyosung, who has not returned from overseas regarding the 'Butler Gate', has been confirmed. Vice Chairman Cho is expected to return on the 31st and appear before the special prosecutor for investigation on the 1st of next month. HS Hyosung invested in IMS Mobility (Be My Car), which was involved in the establishment by Kim Ye-seong, Mrs. Kim's 'butler', in 2023. At that time, IMS Mobility was in a state of de facto capital erosion, and the special prosecutor team is investigating whether HS Hyosung invested knowing this for quid pro quo purposes.
On this day, the special prosecutor team is continuing investigations related to the 'Butler Gate' by summoning Jeong Mo, the spouse of Mr. Kim, Jeong Geun-soo, former vice president of Shinhan Bank, Choi Seok-woo, CEO of Gyeongnam Steel, and Park Chun-won, CEO of JB Woori Capital. Former Vice President Jeong, CEO Choi, and CEO Park are being investigated for the same reason as Vice Chairman Cho. Mr. Jeong was summoned to verify the facts related to being the only internal director of Innovest Korea, which sold 46 billion won of the 184 billion won invested in IMS Mobility.
Jo Yeon-gyeong, a former administrative officer of the presidential office, who is evaluated as one of 'Mrs. Kim's three aides', also appeared before the special prosecutor for investigation on this day. Former Administrative Officer Jo is reportedly being asked about the circumstances under which Mrs. Kim wore a necklace that was not declared during the NATO tour in June 2022 and how the wife of former personnel secretary Lee Won-mo attended in a civilian capacity.
In addition, the special prosecutor team announced that the search and seizure of the Export-Import Bank of Korea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Heerim Architects & Planners, which began on the 21st, is still ongoing. The special prosecutor team is continuing the investigation, believing that the Unification Church made a current affairs request to Jeon Seong-bae, a former head of the world headquarters, through Yoon Young-ho.
The special prosecutor team refuted the position of the Unification Church. The Unification Church stated, "We express deep regret over the unreasonable events that occurred during the search and seizure by the special prosecutor team," and "We cannot accept the portrayal of the entire faith community as a criminal group."
Deputy Special Prosecutor Moon stated, "We executed a lawful search and seizure warrant obtained from the court," and "Cooperation was achieved with the attorney, and it proceeded smoothly with the understanding of President Han Hak-ja." He added, "The attorney did not raise issues or protest regarding the procedure," and "We avoided physical clashes during the execution process and paid attention to preventing unfortunate incidents. We will continue to strive for lawful investigation through respect and consideration for religion and procedural consultation through attorneys."

theknight@fnnews.com Jeong Kyung-soo Reporter