The special prosecution team led by Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki is accelerating its investigation into allegations related to First Lady Kim Keon-hee. Following an extensive raid yesterday, including the headquarters of Sambu Construction, the team is narrowing its investigation by summoning Lee Eung-geun, former CEO of Sambu Construction, for questioning today, July 4.

The special prosecution team announced that they began questioning former CEO Lee Eung-geun around 2 PM today. The Sambu Construction stock manipulation allegations are the first case among the 16 investigation targets involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee to be designated as a "first compulsory investigation" by the special prosecution team. On July 3, the special prosecution team raided Sambu Construction headquarters, DYD (its largest shareholder), Lee Seok Industrial Development (which sold shares to DYD), and a total of six other companies, as well as the residences of seven current and former directors, including former CEO Lee. Forensic analysis is currently underway on the mobile phones and PCs seized from the suspects during the raid.

Immediately after the raid, Special Prosecutor Moon Hong-joo told reporters that the timing for summoning suspects would be decided "after the analysis of the seized materials is complete." However, the summoning of a suspect on the very next day after the raid suggests the special prosecution team's swift investigative resolve. Special Prosecutor Oh Jung-hee stated at today's regular briefing, "We plan to rapidly conduct related party investigations alongside the analysis of seized materials," emphasizing that "the investigation is progressing through various methods, including requests for financial information analysis unit (FIU) data, account tracking warrants, and summons for questioning."

What is the Core of the Sambu Construction Stock Manipulation Allegations? 

At the heart of the Sambu Construction stock manipulation allegations is Lee Jong-ho, former CEO of Black Pearl Investment, who is known to have managed First Lady Kim Keon-hee's accounts. Suspicions arose after he mentioned "Sambu check" in an online group chat of Marine Corps reservists, followed by a sharp rise in Sambu Construction's stock price. The allegations were further amplified as they coincided with the time when former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife visited Ukraine to discuss reconstruction projects. The most crucial issue in this case is determining First Lady Kim Keon-hee's involvement.

When Will First Lady Kim Keon-hee Be Summoned? 

Attention is also focused on the timing of First Lady Kim Keon-hee's summons for questioning. Special Prosecutor Oh Jung-hee stated that she would be summoned "at an appropriate time," and it is understood that no contact regarding a summons schedule has yet been made to Ms. Kim's side. Given the ongoing investigation, it is anticipated that a summons notice for Ms. Kim will be issued soon.

Meanwhile, the special prosecution team imposed a new travel ban on First Lady Kim Keon-hee in mid-June during the investigation preparation period. This measure was a renewal of a previous travel ban, re-evaluated after receiving related cases from the prosecution, indicating the scope and intensity of the special prosecutor's investigation. This investigation into Sambu Construction is the first compulsory investigation among the various allegations surrounding First Lady Kim Keon-hee, drawing significant attention to the future direction and speed of the investigation.

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