On a humid summer day in Seoul, the drama surrounding South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee intensified, as two of her closest associates found themselves at the center of a high-profile investigation. The saga, which has gripped the nation’s attention for months, took a sharp turn on August 19, 2025, when both a former investment firm head and a shaman linked to Kim were summoned for questioning by a special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki.
It’s not every day that a justice ministry vehicle, its windows tinted and security tight, draws a crowd of reporters and curious onlookers outside a government office. But that’s exactly what happened as Lee Jong-ho, the jailed former head of Blackpearl Invest and a known associate of Kim Keon Hee, was transported to the special counsel’s office in Seoul. According to Yonhap, this marked the second time Lee was called in for questioning regarding allegations that Kim manipulated stock prices—specifically, those of Deutsch Motors, a major BMW dealer in South Korea.
Lee Jong-ho’s involvement is hardly minor. He’s widely reported to have managed Kim Keon Hee’s investment accounts, placing him at the heart of the probe into whether the former first lady engaged in illicit market activities. The fact that Lee had already been served an arrest warrant before his latest summons only heightened the sense of urgency and intrigue surrounding the case. As he arrived, flanked by security, speculation swirled about what new details might emerge from his testimony.
Meanwhile, just blocks away, another figure with a very different background was also facing the special counsel’s scrutiny. Jeon Seong-bae, a shaman whose spiritual services reportedly extended into the corridors of political power, appeared for questioning on the same day. According to the Joint Press Corps, Jeon is accused of accepting bribes in connection with Kim Keon Hee. The special counsel is seeking an arrest warrant for Jeon as part of the ongoing bribery probe, signaling that investigators are casting a wide net to uncover any illicit dealings tied to the former first lady.
The presence of both a financial executive and a spiritual advisor in the same investigation speaks volumes about the complexity—and, some might say, the peculiarity—of the case. South Korea has a long history of political scandals involving powerful figures, but the intertwining of high finance and shamanistic influence adds a layer of intrigue that’s hard to ignore. The public, for its part, is watching closely, eager for answers and accountability.
For those unfamiliar with the backstory, Kim Keon Hee’s troubles began when allegations surfaced that she manipulated the stock price of Deutsch Motors. The company, a prominent BMW dealer, has been under scrutiny for suspected market irregularities, and Kim’s financial activities drew the attention of prosecutors. Lee Jong-ho, as her account manager, quickly became a key figure in the investigation. His arrest and repeated questioning suggest that authorities believe he possesses critical information about the transactions in question.
According to Yonhap, Lee’s second summons on August 19 was a direct result of his alleged role in managing accounts linked to the controversial trades. The justice ministry’s decision to serve him an arrest warrant underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the case. While details of his testimony remain confidential, legal experts believe that Lee’s cooperation—or lack thereof—could determine the direction of the probe in the weeks ahead.
Jeon Seong-bae’s involvement, on the other hand, has introduced an entirely different set of questions. In South Korea, shamans have long played a role in both personal and public affairs, sometimes advising politicians behind closed doors. Jeon’s alleged acceptance of bribes related to Kim Keon Hee, as reported by the Joint Press Corps, has fueled speculation about the extent of his influence and the nature of his relationship with the former first lady. The special counsel’s move to seek an arrest warrant for Jeon indicates that investigators are taking the bribery allegations seriously and are determined to follow the money trail wherever it leads.
The dual investigations have sparked debate across the political spectrum. Some commentators argue that the probes are essential for restoring public trust in government institutions, especially after a series of high-profile corruption scandals in recent years. Others, however, question whether the focus on Kim Keon Hee is politically motivated, given her status as the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Supporters of the former first lady have called for a fair and transparent process, warning against what they see as a witch hunt fueled by partisan interests.
Regardless of where one stands, the stakes are undeniably high. If the allegations against Kim Keon Hee are substantiated, it could have far-reaching implications for the legacy of the Yoon administration and for the broader fight against corruption in South Korea. The involvement of both financial and spiritual advisors only adds to the sense that this is no ordinary political scandal. As the special counsel’s investigation continues, all eyes are on Seoul, waiting to see who will be held accountable—and what new twists the case might take.
Legal analysts note that South Korea’s justice system has become more assertive in recent years, with special counsels and prosecutors increasingly willing to pursue cases against powerful figures. The current probe is seen as a test of that resolve, as well as a measure of the country’s commitment to transparency and rule of law. “The fact that both a financial manager and a shaman are under investigation shows just how thorough the authorities are being,” said one legal expert familiar with the case. “They’re not leaving any stone unturned.”
For now, both Lee Jong-ho and Jeon Seong-bae remain in the spotlight, their fates intertwined with that of Kim Keon Hee. The coming weeks are likely to bring new revelations, as the special counsel’s team sifts through financial records, interviews witnesses, and seeks to unravel the web of relationships that underpin the case. Whether the investigation will lead to formal charges against the former first lady herself remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the search for truth, and for justice, is far from over.
As Seoul buzzes with speculation and anticipation, the nation waits for answers. The outcome of these investigations could reshape not only the public’s perception of Kim Keon Hee but also the broader landscape of South Korean politics. For now, the story continues to unfold, one headline at a time.