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Scandal Unfolds: Did Kim Keon Hee Slip Cash to a Key Figure?

Emily Kim Views  

Myung Tae Kyun / News1

Prosecutors have reportedly secured testimony stating that “Kim Keon Hee handed an envelope of cash to Myung Tae Kyun” as part of their ongoing investigation.

On Tuesday, The Hankyoreh newspaper reported that prosecutors had obtained the testimony during their investigation into Myung Tae Kyun.

According to reports, prosecutors have secured statements claiming, “5 million won (approximately $3,560) was in a Kobana Contents envelope,” and “I heard from Myung Tae Kyun that he received 5 million won.”

The special investigation team from the Changwon District Prosecutor’s Office, led by Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee Ji Hyung, had previously summoned Myung Tae Kyun for questioning on Friday and Saturday.

The investigation team reportedly asked Myung whether he had received money from Kim, to which he responded, “I received some transportation expenses.” However, he reportedly did not provide specifics regarding the timing or amount of the money.  

While Myung did not specify the amount, Kang Hye Kyung, a key witness, stated, “The amount was 5 million won.” 

News1

The media further reported that prosecutors had secured testimony from Kim Tae Yeol, former head of the Future Korea Institute, who stated, “I heard from Myung that he received money from Kim Keon Hee after the presidential election and before former lawmaker Kim Yeong Seon was elected. The amount was 5 million won.” 

Additionally, Kang Hye Kyung, the former accountant for Kim Yeong Seon, who has been revealing information related to Myung, also testified to prosecutors, saying, “I heard that Myung received money from Kim in June 2022.”

As multiple testimonies regarding the alleged money exchanges emerge, it appears that prosecutors have begun fact-checking these claims.

News1

If the testimony in the prosecution’s investigation is accurate, and Myung did indeed receive money from Mrs. Kim, it could raise significant legal and political concerns. Myung has been accused of influencing the presidential election, with allegations that he manipulated public opinion polls to aid President Yoon Suk Yeol’s victory. This could potentially serve as circumstantial evidence supporting claims that Yoon and Kim were aware of Myung’s alleged contributions.

However, it should be noted that the prosecution’s application for an arrest warrant does not include any allegations regarding Myung providing free public opinion polling services, which had been a central part of the accusations against him. Should the investigation expand, additional charges may arise, but at this stage, no definitive conclusions have been reached.

Emily Kim
emilykim@insightmsn.com

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