Former President Yoon Suk-yeol denied most allegations during his first questioning by the special counsel team investigating suspicions related to his wife Kim Keon-hee, with the interrogation concluding after eight and a half hours.
Yoon, detained at Seoul Detention Center, arrived at the special counsel's office in Gwanghwamun by Justice Ministry transport vehicle around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The questioning began at 10 a.m., was suspended at 11:56 a.m. for lunch, resumed at 1 p.m., and concluded at 5:10 p.m. Yoon reviewed his interrogation transcript from 5:26 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. before leaving.
The special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki questioned Yoon on six allegations. These include conspiring with First Lady Kim to receive 270 million won worth of free polling services from Myung Tae-kyun before the 2022 presidential election, and accepting a painting by artist Lee Ufan valued at 140 million won from former senior prosecutor Kim Sang-min in exchange for nomination favors.
He is also accused of receiving jewelry worth tens of millions of won from Seohee Construction Chairman Lee Bong-kwan, former National Education Commission Chair Lee Bae-yong, and robot dog entrepreneur Seo Sung-bin in connection with personnel and business favor requests.
Additional allegations include making false statements during public debates in late 2021 as the People Power Party presidential candidate regarding suspicions of First Lady Kim's involvement in Deutsch Motors stock manipulation and her alleged false credentials.
Throughout the questioning, Yoon reportedly denied most charges without refusing to answer, focusing on explaining why the allegations do not constitute crimes from a legal standpoint. His defense attorney said after the session, "He actively exercised his right to defense. Questions and answers proceeded smoothly."
The special counsel's investigation period ends on January 28. Given the remaining eight days, it appears unlikely Yoon will be called for additional questioning. The special counsel team is expected to focus on narrowing down charges for a joint indictment of Yoon and First Lady Kim, organizing evidence records, and preparing to transfer remaining cases.
