Authorities Accuse Yoon Suk Yeol of Additional Offense: Misuse of Influence

Authorities Accuse Yoon Suk Yeol of Additional Offense: Misuse of Influence

Former ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared at the criminal trial for insurrection charges held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, on April 21. [YONHAP]

In the midst of this legal battle, an ongoing investigation involving Yoon and a mysterious shaman evolves around suspicions of bribery and influence peddling linked to the former political power couple. Let's break down the key details:

Backstory of the Investigation

• House Search: Prosecutors invaded the private sanctuary of Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, on April 30, 2025. This was the first residential raid since Yoon's impeachment last month[1][2].
• Shaman Connected: The probe revolves around Jeon Seong-bae, a shaman who allegedly acted as a go-between, delivering extravagant gifts intended for Kim Keon Hee, the former First Lady[4][5].

Accusations and Evidence

• Gifts to Kim Keon Hee: Prosecutors are delving into accusations that a high-ranking Unification Church member, surnamed Yun, bestowed a diamond necklace and designer handbags onto Jeon. These gifts amounted to around 60 million won (US$42,100)[4][5].
• Intentions Behind Gifts: The Unification Church member seems to have lobbied Kim for backing on development projects in Cambodia through official development assistance[5].

Legal Proceedings

• Search Warrants: The raid targeted Yoon's residence and an office that once housed Covana Contents, a company operated by Kim until its dissolution in 2022. Seized items encompassed Kim's mobile phone and personal computer[1][5].
• Suspects and Charges: Though Kim's name surfaced in the search warrant, she hasn't been named a suspect at this point. However, if damning evidence is uncovered, both Yoon and Kim might be indicted for bribery or influence peddling[5].

Importance and Implications

• Historical Implications: This raid holds significance as it represents the first time prosecutors have conducted a court-approved search of a former president's personal residence[2].
• Additional Legal Troubles for Yoon: Yoon grapples with additional legal hurdles, including a fresh charge of abuse of power concerning his December 3 martial law decree[3].

1. The ongoing investigation surrounding former President Yoon Suk Yeol and a mysterious shaman involves allegations of bribery and influence peddling.
2. Prosecutors are examining claims that a high-ranking Unification Church member, named Yun, presented a diamond necklace and designer handbags worth approximately 60 million won (US$42,100) to the shaman, who was said to have acted as a go-between for Yoon's wife, Kim Keon Hee.
3. In the general news, a shaman named Jeon Seong-bae is under scrutiny for delivering extravagant gifts intended for Kim, the former First Lady, which are believed to be linked to development projects in Cambodia through official development assistance.
4. The investigation, which began with a residential raid on Yoon and Kim's home on April 30, 2025, has also seen the seizure of Kim's mobile phone and personal computer during the search of both Yoon's residence and an office previously operated by Kim.
5. Although Kim has not yet been named a suspect, the uncovering of damning evidence could lead to both Yoon and Kim being indicted for bribery or influence peddling, adding to Yoon's existing legal troubles, including a fresh charge of abuse of power concerning his December 3 martial law decree.

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