Kim Geon-hee discharged in a wheelchair - Current status of investigations by agency on allegations, Samboo Engineering is the key

Kim Geon-hee's discharge and the start of the investigation

On June 27, 2025, Kim Geon-hee was discharged from Seoul Asan Hospital. It was her discharge after 11 days of hospitalization, and a scene was revealed in which former President Yoon Suk-yeol personally pushed her wheelchair to accompany her. This discharge may serve as a turning point not only for medical reasons but also for the intensification of investigations surrounding Kim. Legal responsibilities and political ramifications are returning to social discussions, and the possibility of Kim's summons in the future is also being raised. For these reasons, the date of her discharge carries political significance beyond mere recovery.

Background of discharge: Recovery of health or preparation for investigation

Kim Geon-hee was hospitalized at Asan Medical Center in Seoul on June 16 due to treatment for depression and other chronic illnesses. Based on the medical team's assessment, she was discharged on June 27, just 11 days later, and stated her intention to switch to outpatient treatment at home. While there were various interpretations regarding her discharge, it is officially understood to have been based on medical reasons. Various rumors are circulating, but both mainstream media and her side have made no comments on these speculations.

Allegations Surrounding Kim Geon-hee

Mrs. Kim Geon-hee is currently implicated in 13 out of 16 allegations. These cases consist of charges related to economic gain, abuse of power, lobbying, and external pressure, with the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case being a major accusation. Mrs. Kim is involved in the initial capital investment, and suspicions have also been raised regarding sponsorship of the Kobana Contents exhibition. Additionally, various other allegations are included, such as the lobbying for the release of former Marine Corps Division Commander Lim Sung-geun, and receiving expensive gifts.

Samboo Construction stock manipulation suspicion

The Samboo Engineering stock manipulation case is currently one of the core investigation targets of the special prosecutor Kim Geon-hee. In this case, a sharp rise in stock prices and the profits taken by certain individuals have been captured. We are focusing on investigating how Mrs. Kim was involved in this case through connections with former CEO Lee Jong-ho. In particular, whether Mrs. Kim's accounts were directly involved, or if there were indirect transactions by surrounding individuals, is a critical point of the investigation.

Progress by Investigation Agency

Currently, the investigation regarding Mrs. Kim Geon-hee is being coordinated by three agencies. The special prosecutor is emerging as the main body of investigation, and data from the Southern Seoul District Prosecutors' Office and the Corruption Investigation Office have been transferred. The schedule for questioning Mrs. Kim is being adjusted according to her health condition, and the special prosecutor has set the investigation period to 170 days. The prosecution continues to perform legal advisory and cooperative functions.

Substance of the Allegations Involving Large Corporations

The allegations involving Mrs. Kim Geon-hee's connections to large corporations include the Deutsche Motors case and sponsorship of the K-Content exhibition. These suspicions lead to considerations regarding insider trading and the potential for bribery in sponsorships. The related large corporations claim the legitimacy of their sponsorships, but the special investigation team is currently analyzing various evidence to prove the existence of quid pro quo.

Future Investigations and Political Implications

The key issues regarding the investigation of Mrs. Kim can be divided into three parts: the timing and method of the summons, the proof of allegations, and the political impact. Coordination regarding her health status and the possibility of a public summons is necessary, and securing direct evidence becomes the focus of the investigation. The political ramifications of this investigation on former President Yoon Suk-yeol are also drawing attention.

Conclusion

The departure of First Lady Kim Geon-hee goes beyond mere health recovery. It marks the official start of the special investigation, aiming to uncover the truth and establish accountability concerning various allegations. The Samboo Construction case will serve as a key symbol linked to the Deutsche Motors case, attempting to prove the involvement of the First Lady, and the results of this investigation will test the rule of law across society as a whole.