Kim Keon Hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, has entered solitary confinement, marking a new phase in the explosive investigation into bribery and stock manipulation allegations that have shaken South Korea.

On August 14, Kim underwent her first interrogation since being arrested on August 12 as part of an expanded probe into charges of bribery, stock manipulation and abuse of influence. Her arrest was approved late on August 12 by the Seoul Central District Court, with Chief Judge Jeong Jae Wook citing concerns over potential evidence destruction. The warrant was issued at 11:58 p.m. on violations of the Capital Markets Act and other allegations.

Kim is being held at Seoul Nambu Detention Center, a modern facility operated since 2011 and managed by a female warden. Her prisoner number is reported as 4398, according to Chosun. She is housed in a solitary cell furnished only with a floor mat and a small table for meals and work.

Unlike her husband — currently serving around 100 days at Seoul Detention Center over alleged involvement in a martial law conspiracy — this is Kim’s first experience in detention. To prevent contact with other inmates, her bathing and outdoor exercise times are staggered, allowing her one hour per day except Sundays. Meals follow standard prison guidelines, costing about 1,500 won (USD 1.08) each, Reuters reported. On the morning of August 14, her breakfast included toast with strawberry jam, sausage and salad.

At 8:40 a.m. that day, Kim left the detention center in a Justice Ministry vehicle, arriving at the special prosecutor’s office in the KT Gwanghwamun West building (Jongno District, Seoul) at 9:52 a.m. The interrogation began at 9:56 a.m., focusing on allegations of improper interference in elections and candidate nominations.

Although speculation arose that she might skip the session due to poor health, Kim confirmed in advance that she would cooperate with investigators. Government records show that most of the family’s assets, including their luxury Seoul apartment, are registered under her name. Former judge and prosecutor Han Dong Soo, who previously worked with Yoon, has described Kim as not only a spouse but also the “strategic brain” behind his rise to the presidency.

South Korean media has also reported on former President Yoon’s own prison conditions — confined to a 6.6-square-meter solitary cell without air conditioning or a bed, surviving on standard prison meals and sleeping on a heated floor mat.

Sources: Znews