South Korea Seeks Arrest of Ex-First Lady Kim Keon Hee Amid Scandal

South Korean prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant for former first lady Kim Keon Hee, marking a dramatic escalation in a series of high-profile allegations that include bribery, stock manipulation, and election law violations.

The request, made today, follows an hours-long interrogation of Kim a day earlier.

If approved, it would make history as the first time both a former president and first lady are detained in South Korea.

Kim, who has denied the allegations, publicly apologised for the controversy as she arrived for questioning, saying she regretted causing trouble despite being a person of no importance.

The arrest request comes just months after her husband, former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was impeached and detained following his controversial declaration of martial law in December. His attempt to shield Kim from investigation by vetoing multiple special probe bills is seen as a key factor that led to his political downfall.