A South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for Kim Keon Hee, the wife of the country’s ousted former president Yoon Suk Yeol, amid ongoing investigations into multiple alleged crimes, including bribery, stock manipulation, and interference in political candidate selection. The arrest warrant was granted late Tuesday by the Seoul Central District Court.

Kim’s arrest is part of a broader investigation launched under South Korea’s new liberal government, which has been targeting the presidency of Yoon, a conservative leader who was removed from office in April and rearrested last month due to his brief declaration of martial law in December.

The investigation into Kim marks a significant development, as Yoon and Kim are the first presidential couple in South Korea’s history to face criminal charges simultaneously. Yoon’s political downfall, stemming from his power grab in December, has drawn increased scrutiny, with some critics speculating that growing allegations against Kim may have influenced his actions.

Kim, who arrived at the court in Seoul on Tuesday, did not speak to reporters during her appearance. She is now set to be detained at a center in southern Seoul, separate from the facility where her husband is being held. Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki, appointed by liberal President Lee Jae Myung in June, is leading the investigation.

Last week, Kim was questioned for seven hours by investigators before the decision to seek her arrest was made. She briefly spoke to the media after the questioning, offering a vague apology for causing public concern but also hinting at denying the allegations against her.

Kim is accused of using her influence to sway the nomination of a candidate by the conservative People Power Party during a 2022 legislative by-election. Investigators also allege that Kim received luxury gifts through a fortuneteller, who acted as an intermediary for a Unification Church official seeking business favors. Additionally, Kim is linked to a stock price manipulation scheme involving a local BMW dealership company.

During his presidency, Yoon consistently dismissed calls to investigate his wife, labeling such requests as politically motivated attacks.

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