Kim Keon-hee, wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, arrived at special prosecutor Min Joong-ki's office in Seoul on 6/8, becoming the first former South Korean first lady to publicly appear as a suspect in a criminal investigation.

Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon-hee arrives at the special prosecutor's office in Seoul on 6/8. Photo: Yonhap

Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon-hee arrives at the special prosecutor's office in Seoul on 6/8. Photo: Yonhap

Prosecutors indicated they plan to seek an arrest warrant for Kim following the questioning. If approved, this would be the first time in South Korean history that a former presidential couple has been arrested.

"I sincerely apologize that an insignificant person like me has caused trouble. I will fully cooperate with the investigation," Kim said before entering the prosecutor's office.

The questioning of the former first lady drew significant media and public attention. Supporters of the couple gathered outside the prosecutor's office, waving South Korean flags and holding signs urging investigators to "be fair".

Kim is accused of involvement in a scheme to inflate the share price of a company between 2009 and 2012. She is also accused of violating anti-corruption laws by accepting a luxury handbag worth over 2,000 USD as a gift. She has also been embroiled in controversies related to election interference and plagiarism.

Ngoc Anh (AFP, Yonhap)