Former first lady apologizes before special counsel questioning

We start on the local front.

Former First Lady Kim Kun-hee has been summoned by a special counsel over a series of allegations against her.

Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports.

Shortly after 10 AM on Wednesday, former first lady Kim Keon Hee arrived at the office of special counsel Min Joong-ki, in Jongno-gu District, for questioning over multiple allegations.

This comes after Kim, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol , was summoned two weeks ago to appear at the office.

Before questioning, she bowed and apologized to the public for causing concern.

"I am truly sorry that a nobody like myself has caused concern for the people. I will faithfully undergo the questioning."

However, she did not respond to questions from reporters about the allegations.

This marks the first time in South Korea's constitutional history that a first lady has been publicly named as a suspect in an investigation.

According to the special counsel team, Kim's questioning began at 10:23 AM, and she did not exercise her right to remain silent.

The special counsel team focused on five of the 16 allegations made against Kim on Wednesday, starting with her purported role in manipulating stock prices.

Other allegations include interference in the candidate nomination process during past elections, and receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church through a "broker."

Since Kim did not agree to be video recorded, the face-to-face questioning took place without it.

Ahead of the questioning, Kim's representatives said she would answer questions as fully as possible without refusing, but wants to avoid questioning after 9 PM due to her poor health.

Earlier, they requested to separate the questioning by each allegation, or to finish before 6 PM, but the special counsel team refused, saying she would be treated like any other suspect.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.