South Korea ex-President Yoon's home raided in favoritism probe
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South Korea's special counsel has raided multiple locations linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife over allegations of favoritism and irregular contracting in the 2022 presidential office relocation.
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Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, center, arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review his arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)
South Korea's special counsel launched an extensive search operation on Thursday targeting former President Yoon Suk-Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected favoritism tied to the 2022 transfer of the presidential office and residence, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The probe stems from long-standing questions over how the relocation was executed, why specific firms were selected for renovation work, and whether private business connections involving the former first lady influenced government decisions.
A team led by Special Counsel Min Joong-ki carried out raids on seven sites, including the couple's residence in southern Seoul, the premises of Kim's former firm Covana Contents, and the offices of 21 Gram, the interior company involved in renovation work during the relocation.
The search follows months of mounting allegations, media scrutiny, and public criticism after it emerged that companies linked to the former first lady had participated in cultural exhibitions later sponsored by 21 Gram.
Authorities are looking into whether both firms improperly benefited from the high-profile move, which was controversial from the outset due to its cost, speed, and lack of transparency.
Contract controversy
The inquiry focuses on accusations that 21 Gram was selected for the renovation despite lacking the required licensing. The company is alleged to have secured the project after sponsoring exhibitions hosted by Covana Contents, raising concerns about improper influence and potential quid pro quo arrangements.
The suspicions gained traction when lawmakers and civil society groups questioned how an unqualified firm was given access to one of the country's most sensitive government facilities, bypassing the usual competitive procedures.
A 2024 audit previously found that 21 Gram had begun working on the presidential residence before any contract had been formalized, and that it had broken construction rules by subcontracting the job to 15 unlicensed firms.
The audit's findings prompted renewed calls for accountability and paved the way for the special counsel's broader investigation, which now encompasses potential abuse of authority, conflicts of interest, and procurement irregularities.
Escalating Scrutiny
Both Yoon and Kim are currently detained on separate charges, the former president in connection with a martial law case and the former first lady on corruption allegations, placing additional scrutiny on their past conduct.
Their legal troubles have escalated in recent months, with prosecutors also examining whether senior aides concealed irregularities during the relocation process or obstructed previous audits.
The latest raids, described by local media as the most aggressive step yet taken by the special counsel, signal that investigators are preparing for a more expansive inquiry that could implicate additional officials and contractors involved in the 2022 relocation.
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