A court in Seoul has ordered the arrest of Kim Keon-hee, the wife of South Korea's impeached former president Park Geun-hye, marking a dramatic escalation in a long-running corruption scandal that has gripped the nation.
The Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant on Monday, citing fears that Kim could destroy evidence or flee. Prosecutors allege she was involved in bribery and abuse of power during her husband's presidency.
Fall from Grace
Park Geun-hye, South Korea's first female president, was impeached in 2017 following mass protests over a corruption scandal involving close confidantes. She was later sentenced to 24 years in prison.
Now, her wife faces similar allegations, with prosecutors claiming Kim accepted illicit payments from businesses in exchange for political favours.
Public Outcry
The case has reignited public anger over political corruption in South Korea, coming just years after Park's dramatic downfall.
"This arrest shows no one is above the law, not even the family of a former president," said political analyst Lee Chung-hee. "But it also raises questions about how deep these corruption networks run."
What Happens Next?
Kim is expected to be taken into custody within days unless her legal team successfully appeals the arrest warrant. If convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison.
The case continues to unfold as South Korea prepares for parliamentary elections next year, with corruption likely to be a key campaign issue.
