Lead

South Korean special counsel investigators have raided the homes of two former presidential aides as part of an ongoing probe into alleged irregularities surrounding the relocation of the president's official residence in 2022, according to Yonhap news agency.

The raids, which took place on Monday and Tuesday, targeted former chief of staff Kim Dae-ki and former presidential secretary for administrative affairs Yoon Jae-soon, as well as the ministries of budget, finance and the interior, Yonhap reported.

Coverage Comparison

Yonhap, South Korea's leading wire service, provided consistent reporting on the developments across its two articles. The first article focused on the disclosure by the special counsel team that it had found circumstantial evidence that former first lady Kim Keon Hee accepted additional luxury items in connection with the residence relocation. The second article detailed the raids on the former aides and the allegations of budget diversion.

The two articles are largely complementary, with the second providing more specific details about the cost overruns and the alleged procedural violations. Both report the same core facts: the special counsel team led by Kwon Chang-young launched in February, the raids occurred in early April, and the investigation centers on the relocation from Cheong Wa Dae to the Yongsan district of Seoul.

Key Claims

  • Investigators raided the homes of former chief of staff Kim Dae-ki and former presidential secretary Yoon Jae-soon, as well as government ministries, according to Yonhap. Both former aides have been booked as suspects and banned from leaving the country.
  • The special counsel team said it found circumstantial evidence that former first lady Kim Keon Hee accepted additional luxury items in connection with the residence relocation. This information was disclosed by assistant special counsel Kim Ji-mi during a press briefing, as reported by Yonhap.
  • The total cost of the presidential residence relocation reportedly exceeded 1.4 billion won (approximately US$931,000), according to Yonhap.
  • The special counsel team confirmed that an unqualified contractor submitted a construction cost estimate lacking an objective basis, such as design drawings, according to assistant special counsel Kim Ji-mi, as cited by Yonhap.
  • The team found indications that administrative ministry budgets were unlawfully diverted and executed at the instructions of the presidential office, bypassing verification or adjustment procedures, according to the special counsel's statement.
  • The investigation also covers allegations that former first lady Kim Keon Hee used her influence to award the residence renovation contract to 21 Gram, an interior design company without the proper license, Yonhap reported. The company had previously worked on the office of her cultural content company.
  • The relocation and renovation of the presidential residence proceeded in tandem with the relocation of the presidential office, in line with one of Yoon Suk Yeol's campaign pledges, according to Yonhap.
  • Both former President Yoon Suk Yeol and former first lady Kim Keon Hee are currently jailed and standing trial on various charges. Kim has been indicted on charges of receiving 80 million won (US$53,000) worth of luxury goods from a Unification Church official in exchange for business favors, Yonhap reported.

Perspectives

The reports from Yonhap are neutral in tone and attribute all claims to the special counsel team and its spokesperson. The articles do not include direct responses from the former aides, the former first lady, or their legal representatives. As such, the allegations presented are those of the prosecution, and the accused have not yet had the opportunity to publicly respond through the same channel.

The investigation is part of a broader special counsel probe launched in February to examine unresolved allegations surrounding the former president and his wife, according to Yonhap. The special counsel team was established after three previous special counsel investigations left certain questions unanswered.

Context

The presidential residence relocation occurred shortly after Yoon Suk Yeol took office in May 2022. Moving the presidential office and residence from the traditional Blue House complex to the Yongsan district was a campaign pledge by Yoon, aimed at increasing accessibility and transparency. The move drew criticism at the time due to security concerns and costs.

The investigation into the relocation is one of several legal challenges facing Yoon and his wife. Yoon was impeached in December 2024 and is currently standing trial over his imposition of martial law in 2024. Kim Keon Hee is also facing trial on corruption charges unrelated to the residence relocation.

As the probe continues, further raids or indictments may follow. The special counsel team has signaled it is actively pursuing evidence related to the alleged budget irregularities and influence-peddling, according to Yonhap.

This article is based on reporting from Yonhap News Agency, which has not independently verified all claims. The accused parties have not yet publicly responded to the allegations.