Special Prosecutor for Kim Keon-hee Moves to Summon Yoon Suk Yeol... Summons Notice Expected This Week

[Financial News] The Special Prosecutor Team for Kim Keon-hee, led by Min Joong-ki, has entered the final stage of preparations, with the summons of former President Yoon Suk Yeol now within sight.
A member of the Special Prosecutor Team stated on the 11th, "We are planning to question former President Yoon Suk Yeol after investigating Kim Keon-hee. Although we have not yet sent an official summons, we intend to prepare the notice by today."
The team is planning to summon Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning after Kim Keon-hee’s scheduled appearance on the 24th. However, as the current investigation deadline is the 28th, before a possible third extension, the team aims to question Yoon before the deadline. There is also the option of extending the investigation by 30 days. The official added, "We are currently gathering allegations from each investigative unit regarding Yoon Suk Yeol, so the summons notice will be issued soon," and noted, "It could happen within this week."
The Special Prosecutor Team is currently coordinating the charges to be delivered to Yoon Suk Yeol. He has been identified as a central figure in several allegations, including the 'Myung Tae-gyun nomination interference,' 'private use of Navy vessels,' 'Unification Church solicitation,' 'intervention in the appointment of former Chairperson of the National Education Commission Lee Bae-yong,' and 'bribery allegations involving former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim Sang-min.'
Whether Yoon Suk Yeol will appear for questioning is also drawing attention. He previously refused to comply with the Special Prosecutor Team’s summons and arrest warrant on two occasions, leading to a standoff. However, as he has recently appeared for various court hearings and investigations, it is considered likely that he will comply this time. A representative for Yoon stated, "A decision will be made after discussion."
The Special Prosecutor Team intends to thoroughly investigate the various allegations against Yoon Suk Yeol during the summons. As he is considered a key figure in personnel and lobbying-related suspicions, determining the truth of these matters is crucial. Establishing Yoon’s involvement is pivotal in proving Kim Keon-hee’s criminal charges. If his involvement is confirmed, a range of charges, including bribery against Kim Keon-hee, could be applied. Conversely, if his participation in personnel decisions and lobbying cannot be established, the prosecution of Kim Keon-hee and other suspects may face obstacles.
Meanwhile, the Special Prosecutor Team plans to wrap up its investigation into the Unification Church’s alleged support for the People Power Party’s party convention. The team has indicated that it is virtually impossible to investigate the alleged interference in the general election raised by some quarters. An official explained, "As for the general election investigation, the likelihood is low at this point," and added, "Given the evidence and testimonies secured so far, we are limited to handling the case within this scope."
Regarding the 'Roger Vivier bag bribery allegation,' the team is still analyzing seized items, and no decision has been made on whether to summon People Power Party lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon.
In connection with the 'private use of Navy vessels' allegation, it has been confirmed that not only former Deputy Chief of the Presidential Security Service Kim Sung-hoon but also Kim Keon-hee are suspects for violating the Presidential Security Service Act.
theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter