Kim Keon Hee Appears for 9th Interrogation... Effectively Her Final Questioning Before Investigation Deadline

[Financial News] Kim Keon Hee appeared for her ninth summons before the Kim Keon Hee Special Prosecutor Team, led by Min Joong-ki, for questioning.
On the morning of the 11th, Kim arrived at the prosecutor team's office located in the KT Gwanghwamun Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, for questioning. She was transported by a Ministry of Justice escort vehicle.
With this appearance, Kim has now been summoned for questioning a total of nine times. The most recent session took place on the 4th.
During the previous session, the special prosecutor team questioned her regarding so-called influence-peddling allegations, including the 'golden turtle of former Chairperson of the National Education Commission Lee Bae-yong,' the 'Van Cleef & Arpels necklace of Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-gwan,' and the 'Vacheron Constantin watch of businessman Seo Seongbin.' However, Kim exercised her right to remain silent, leading to a quicker-than-expected conclusion of the session.
In this round of questioning, the special prosecutor team plans to press Kim on a range of remaining allegations, including the 'use of Jongmyo Shrine for private tea meetings,' the 'Navy VIP Boat party,' the 'preferential selection for Presidential Residence expansion by 21 Grams,' the 'Dior bag and clothing received by the spouse of the 21 Grams CEO,' and the 'Roger Vivier bag received by the spouse of People Power Party lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon.'
With the special prosecutor team's investigation period set to end on the 28th, this is expected to be Kim's final summons for questioning.
On August 29, Kim was indicted and is currently facing a 15-year prison sentence on charges related to DEUTSCH MOTORS stock manipulation (violation of the Capital Markets Act), alleged involvement in Myung Tae-kyun's nomination (violation of the Political Funds Act), and the Geonjin Beopsa solicitation case (violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes). The first trial verdict is scheduled for January 28 next year.
theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter