Seoul, Aug 13 (IANS) — Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been placed in a solitary cell at Seoul Nambu Detention Centre after a court issued an arrest warrant over multiple corruption allegations.
The Seoul Central District Court granted the warrant late Tuesday, citing concerns she might destroy evidence. Hours earlier, Kim was moved to the detention facility, where she underwent standard intake procedures, including a physical examination and mug shots, while dressed in a khaki prison uniform.
Her cell, measuring about 6 to 10 square metres, includes basic amenities such as a locker, foldout table, television, and toilet, but no bed—requiring her to sleep on a floor mattress. If moved to a larger cell, she could have access to additional facilities like a sink. Kim will have separate bathing and exercise times to avoid contact with other detainees and will receive the same meals as inmates, with Wednesday’s breakfast including bread, strawberry jam, milk, sausage, and salad.
Special counsel Min Joong-ki’s team sought her arrest last week on charges of violating the Capital Market Act, the Political Funds Act, and laws prohibiting the acceptance of bribes for mediation.
Her detention marks the first time in South Korea’s history that a former presidential couple has been simultaneously held. Kim’s husband, ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, is currently imprisoned at Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang for his failed attempt to impose martial law in December.
Following her arrest, the Presidential Security Service is no longer obligated to provide her with protection, Yonhap News Agency reported.
