Seoul, South Korea – Revelations have emerged concerning former First Lady Kim Keon-hee's use of a secure, un-traceable phone to communicate with the then-Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs, Kim Joo-hyun, in July of last year. These calls, totaling over 33 minutes, occurred just weeks before Kim Keon-hee faced questioning by prosecutors regarding allegations of luxury bag reception and her alleged involvement in the Deutsch Motors stock manipulation scandal. The disclosure has intensified accusations of interference by the presidential office in the investigation, leading to calls for a thorough probe by the newly launched Special Prosecutor.

According to legal sources and ongoing investigations, on July 3, 2024, Kim Keon-hee initiated a call to Kim Joo-hyun via a secure phone at approximately 4:08 PM, conversing for nearly 18 minutes. Shortly after, at 4:29 PM, Kim Joo-hyun reportedly called her back on the same secure line, extending their discussion for another 16 minutes. This series of calls transpired a day after the appellate court's final hearing in the Deutsch Motors case, where a severe sentence was sought for Kwon Oh-soo, the former chairman of Deutsch Motors.

The timing of these communications is particularly scrutinized given that Kim Keon-hee was under investigation by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office at the time for both the "Dior bag scandal" and her alleged role in the Deutsch Motors stock manipulation scheme. Just 17 days later, on July 20, 2024, she was questioned by prosecutors at a secure annex building of the Presidential Security Service in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This interrogation was conducted without the usual procedure of surrendering her mobile phone, sparking widespread criticism of a so-called "emperor investigation" – implying a privileged and lenient treatment. Legal experts argue that such extensive communication between a subject of investigation and a senior presidential aide with influence over the prosecution raises significant concerns about the manipulation of investigative processes.

Escalating Suspicions of Interference

The controversy further deepens with the revelation that current Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung also had two secure phone conversations with Kim Joo-hyun in October 2024. Notably, this coincided with the period when prosecutors decided not to indict Kim Keon-hee on charges related to the Deutsch Motors stock manipulation case, citing a lack of evidence. The sequence of these secure calls, particularly preceding key investigative decisions, suggests a potential pattern of coordination and influence.

The use of secure phones by a presidential spouse and the Prosecutor General has also drawn criticism for being highly unusual. While the Presidential Security Service maintains that such phones are provided for security and official communications, the context of these specific calls—amidst ongoing criminal investigations—raises questions about their true purpose. The Security Service has remained tight-lipped on whether previous first ladies were afforded similar access to secure communication devices, citing security protocols.

The Role of the Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs

The role of the Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs itself has become a focal point of the controversy. This position, traditionally responsible for vetting high-ranking officials and overseeing law enforcement agencies, was previously abolished due to concerns about its potential for political interference. Its revival under the former administration, with a former prosecutor appointed to the role, fueled initial suspicions that it could be used to influence judicial proceedings, particularly those involving the presidential family. Critics contend that the current disclosures validate these earlier concerns, painting a picture of an office potentially used to shield the First Lady from rigorous legal scrutiny.

Looming Special Prosecutor Investigation

The emerging details are expected to be a primary focus of the newly established "Kim Keon-hee Special Prosecutor" investigation. This independent counsel is tasked with thoroughly examining the allegations surrounding Kim Keon-hee, including the secure phone calls, their contents, and whether they constituted an attempt to influence or impede ongoing investigations. Law enforcement agencies, including the police and prosecution, are currently analyzing secure phone server data obtained from the Presidential Security Service, which could potentially reveal additional call records. Should the Special Prosecutor take over these existing investigations, the scope of the probe into alleged secure phone interference is anticipated to expand significantly. The public eagerly awaits the findings of this independent investigation, hoping for clarity and accountability regarding the allegations against the former First Lady and the conduct of those in power.

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