For more than three months, South Korea has watched a high-profile special investigation unfold around Kim Geun-hee, the wife of former president Yoon Seok-yeol, and a cast of political and religious figures. The probe, led by the special prosecutor Min Jung-gi and his team, has sent shockwaves through the political establishment and ignited fierce debate ahead of the country’s crucial local elections. As the investigation barrels forward, its implications are rippling across party lines, religious organizations, and the general public.
The investigation, which began in earnest with public hearings and witness interviews on October 1, 2025, has moved at a relentless pace. According to Yonhap News TV, the special investigation team—sometimes referred to as the “Unified School Investigation Group”—zeroed in on allegations surrounding Kim Geun-hee from the outset. The first target was the so-called “Sambu Construction stock manipulation case,” but the inquiry quickly expanded to encompass a web of related scandals, including alleged interference in political nominations and what’s been dubbed the “Housekeeper Gate.”
Within a month, Kim Geun-hee was summoned to the prosecutor’s office for questioning, stepping into the public eye and addressing the nation. “I sincerely apologize for causing such concern as someone who is nothing,” she said on August 6, 2025, as quoted by Yonhap News TV. “I will undergo the investigation properly and return.” Her words did little to quell the rising tide of scrutiny.
The investigation’s turning point came when prosecutors received a piece of physical evidence from Seohui Construction: the actual “NATO summit necklace” that Kim Geun-hee had worn during a high-profile diplomatic trip. The necklace, a Van Cleef & Arpels piece, was handed over alongside a confession letter acknowledging its transfer. “Seohui Construction has submitted a confession to the special prosecutor, admitting that the necklace worn by Kim Geun-hee during the NATO summit was provided by them,” said Oh Jeong-hee, a special prosecutor involved in the case, on August 12, 2025. This so-called “smoking gun” was a critical breakthrough, tightening the net around Kim and propelling the investigation forward.
But Kim was not the only high-profile figure in the crosshairs. Prosecutors also targeted key political and religious players, including Kwon Seong-dong, a prominent People Power Party lawmaker, and Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church. Both were detained on charges related to bribery and political corruption. Kwon, accused of receiving 100 million won from a former Unification Church executive, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. “As I have stated multiple times, I have never received any money from a Unification Church associate,” Kwon declared on August 27, 2025. Han Hak-ja was equally adamant, responding to questions about the alleged bribe: “Why would I have any need to do that?” Despite these denials, the courts issued arrest warrants, citing concerns about destruction of evidence.
The probe has not been limited to individuals. On October 18, 2025, investigators conducted raids on the People Power Party’s headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, as part of a broader effort to uncover evidence of illicit party membership manipulation and other forms of misconduct. According to JN Ilbo, party officials, including floor leader Yoo Sang-beom, confronted the special prosecutor’s team during the search, reflecting the mounting tension between investigators and the ruling party. The People Power Party has characterized the investigation as a “witch hunt” and a thinly veiled attempt by the opposition Democratic Party to undermine them ahead of the June 2026 local elections. “It seems the special prosecutor’s office is acting as a subcontractor for the Democratic Party, leaking details of the investigation to fuel political attacks,” one party official told JN Ilbo.
This sentiment has only grown as the Democratic Party’s leader Jeong Cheong-rae publicly suggested that the People Power Party should be dissolved if Unification Church ties are confirmed, raising the stakes for the governing conservatives. In response, the People Power Party has established a “Special Committee for Countering Dictatorship” and staged protests in Daegu and Seoul, denouncing what they call “reckless special investigations.”
Meanwhile, the investigation into Kim Geun-hee has uncovered a string of alleged illegal activities. According to the findings summarized by Yonhap News TV and JN Ilbo, Kim is suspected of embezzlement and abuse of power, particularly in relation to funds intended for national disaster victims and staff at the unified school. The probe also revealed her involvement with groups such as “Maegunmaejeong” and “Chongchul Chariphoe,” and pointed to the misuse of banned pesticides at the Nado temple site—a matter that has caused further public alarm. On October 6, 2025, Kim Seong-yeol, head of the unified school, confirmed Kim Geun-hee’s involvement at the Nado temple site, adding credibility to the mounting accusations.
Despite these revelations, the investigation has encountered hurdles. Early on, progress was delayed by a lack of concrete evidence and difficulty establishing malicious intent. However, as more witnesses have come forward and additional documents have been seized, the special prosecutor’s team has pressed ahead. On October 7, 2025, the prosecution-led investigation confirmed Kim’s involvement in both embezzlement and abuse of power, as well as illegal pesticide use at the Nado temple. Public hearings are scheduled to continue, and further witness testimony is expected to shed more light on the alleged wrongdoing.
The political fallout has been swift and severe. The Democratic Party, sensing an opportunity, has extended the special investigation’s mandate by 30 days and expanded the team’s personnel, moves that were swiftly passed in the National Assembly. The People Power Party’s attempts to counter these measures through legal challenges and public rallies have so far yielded little tangible effect. “Ultimately, there’s nothing left but to fight this in the court of public opinion,” one party insider lamented to JN Ilbo.
As the investigation enters its next phase, attention is turning to former president Yoon Seok-yeol. Prosecutors have indicated that, to fully substantiate the bribery allegations—which apply specifically to public officials—they will need to establish a conspiracy between Kim Geun-hee and Yoon. The prospect of questioning a former president adds yet another layer of complexity, risk, and political drama to an already combustible situation.
With the local elections looming and the investigation showing no signs of abating, the stakes could hardly be higher. Both major parties are bracing for impact, and the South Korean public is left to wonder just how deep the scandal will go—and what the ultimate consequences will be for those at the very top.
