South Korean prosecutors conducted a raid at the private residence of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday as part of an expanding investigation into alleged corruption. The raid is focused on claims of influence-peddling and bribery involving Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon-hee. The investigation is also tied to accusations that a controversial shaman received expensive gifts from the former first lady, fueling suspicions of backroom dealings.
This operation escalates the ongoing probe into the former president and his family. Yoon, who was ousted from office by the Constitutional Court earlier this month following his failed martial law attempt in December 2024, now faces increasing scrutiny over his involvement in these alleged scandals.
Jeon is accused of acting as an intermediary to deliver lavish gifts, including a diamond necklace and luxury handbag, from a senior official of the Unification Church to Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon-hee. Prosecutors are working to verify whether these gifts were indeed handed over to Kim.
The investigation also involves claims that Jeon lost the expensive gifts intended for Kim, though prosecutors have reportedly uncovered text messages from a Unification Church official demanding the return of the necklace. The probe aims to establish the authenticity of these alleged transactions and uncover any illegal dealings that may have taken place. Prosecutors are particularly interested in whether the former first lady ever received the items.
This is first time the court has authorized a search of the former presidential couple’s residence, signaling a major development in the ongoing corruption probe. Yoon, who was impeached earlier this month by South Korea’s Constitutional Court over his controversial martial law order issued in December 2024, is now under increased scrutiny. While the current investigation is unrelated to the martial law case, it adds to the mounting legal challenges facing the former president and his wife.
Jeon, a 65-year-old religious figure, has also drawn attention for his involvement in Yoon’s election campaign. He allegedly helped fund and manage unofficial campaign offices during the 2022 presidential race.The discovery of 50 million won in freshly minted banknotes at Jeon’s residence further raised suspicions, as such money is typically allocated to high-level government entities.
The prosecutors’ raid is viewed as a step in holding the former president accountable, with experts noting that this marks the first time a private residence of a former South Korean president has been subjected to such a search. Choi Jin, a political analyst, remarked that this action demonstrates the seriousness with which prosecutors are now pursuing the case, signaling a shift in the investigation’s approach after Yoon’s term in office.
