Special Prosecutor Kim Keon-hee is conducting a search and seizure of People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun, former lawmaker Kim Young-sun, former prosecutor Kim Sang-min, and others on the 8th. This is to investigate the allegations of interference in the 2022 by-election for the National Assembly and the 2024 general election.
Special Prosecutor's Assistant Oh Jeong-hee stated at a press briefing that "in connection with the allegations of interference in the nomination, a search and seizure is being conducted at over 10 locations, including the homes of People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun, former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Young-sun, and former prosecutor Kim Sang-min."
Oh noted, "As many allegations related to nomination deals and improper election interference have been raised for a long time, it is necessary to clarify the case quickly, and thus the search and seizure was conducted today," adding that "plans are in place to swiftly analyze the seized items and summon related individuals to clarify the facts."
First Lady Kim Keon-hee is accused of intervening in the nomination for the by-election held in June of the same year in exchange for receiving a public opinion poll for free from Myung Tae-kyun during the process of the 2022 presidential election. It is said that Kim Young-sun, the former lawmaker, assisted in her nomination in the Changwon, Uichang electoral district of South Gyeongsang Province. Lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun served as the chair of the nomination management committee of the People Power Party during the by-election.
The First Lady is also suspected of being involved in the nomination of the People Power Party candidate for the Pohang mayoral election in the 2022 local elections. She is also believed to have exerted influence to allow former prosecutor Kim Sang-min to run in the Changwon electoral district during last year’s general election.