South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee’s health has reportedly worsened following the arrest of her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, on January 15. Sources close to the presidential office confirmed to local media on January 17 that those who have recently met with Kim have expressed concerns about her deteriorating condition, describing her as “worryingly emaciated.”
According to officials, Kim has struggled with her health since December 3, 2024, when martial law was declared, and her eating habits have reportedly worsened since then. Those close to her said she has not been eating well and is relying on medication to manage her condition. Some lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party, who were present at the presidential residence the day President Yoon was arrested, noted that Kim’s health was so poor that she might need hospitalization but is trying to persevere through various treatments.
Kim, who has kept a low profile since mid-2024 due to a series of scandals, including allegations related to luxury handbags and Deutsche Motors stock manipulation, did not join her husband during his Central and South American tour in November 2024. She has largely stepped away from public engagements, sparking further public speculation.
Amid Kim’s health issues, the opposition Democratic Party of Korea has called for a renewed investigation into her activities. On January 15, Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Deuk-gu took to social media to demand that the prosecution resume its investigation into Kim, citing the need for restrictions, including a potential travel ban and financial transaction suspension. Kang stressed that Kim was allegedly the mastermind behind the alleged corruption, claiming that the prosecution must “promptly reinvestigate” her role in the stock manipulation case tied to Deutsche Motors.
Other opposition lawmakers have echoed similar sentiments. Representatives from the Rebuilding Korea Party, on the same day, also called for Kim to be placed under investigation. They urged immediate action, labeling her as the “main instigator” of national corruption involving President Yoon.
As the investigation into President Yoon progresses, speculation grows over the potential impeachment process. If the Constitutional Court of Korea were to impeach Yoon before June 12, the opposition is expected to intensify calls for an investigation into Kim, who would then assume civilian status.
The National Assembly is currently deliberating the “Kim Keon Hee Special Prosecutor Act,” a proposed law that would allow for a thorough investigation into multiple allegations against the First Lady. The proposed law covers 15 charges, including the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation, bribery linked to luxury bags, irregularities related to the relocation of the presidential residence, as well as her involvement in personnel appointments and election interference.
Should the bill pass, it would pave the way for a special prosecutor to be appointed to investigate the First Lady’s alleged wrongdoing. The situation continues to unfold, with Kim’s health and legal troubles adding further pressure to an already volatile political environment.
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