 |
| 윤석열 전 대통령 배우자 김건희 여사. (사진=연합뉴스) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Seoul, South Korea — July 28, 2025 — The special prosecutor team led by Min Joong-ki, tasked with investigating allegations involving former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee, confirmed on Monday that it is questioning Hwang [full name withheld], former CEO of KB Capital, over suspicions of preferential investment in IMS Mobility.
The probe centers on whether KB Capital’s September 2023 purchase of 45,000 IMS shares was influenced by Kim’s close associate, identified only as Mr. Kim, who served as an inside director at IMS Mobility.
KB Capital has maintained that it participated as a strategic investor (SI). However, the special counsel is examining whether the investment decision was made with awareness of Mr. Kim’s proximity to the former First Lady, widely referred to as her “household aide” due to his close ties.
The timeline of the investment is also under scrutiny. KB Capital’s stake acquisition came three months after nine major companies — including Kakao Mobility, Hyosung, Kiwoom Securities, and Korea Securities Finance Corporation — invested in IMS through the Oasis Fund.
Adding to the complexity, Hwang assumed the position of CEO at Deutsche Financial in late 2024 after completing his term at KB Capital. Deutsche Financial is an affiliate of Deutsche Motors, the company at the center of earlier allegations that Kim Keon-hee was involved in stock manipulation. In 2017, Kim invested ₩2 billion in Deutsche Financial shares.
The special prosecutor’s office stated it will continue to pursue all leads regarding potential conflicts of interest and improper influence in the IMS Mobility investment.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
