South Korean prosecutors raid ex-president Yoon's home in probe

South Korean investigators have conducted raids on former President Yoon Suk Yeol's private residence in southern Seoul as part of an expanding probe into alleged favoritism surrounding the 2022 relocation of the presidential office and residence. The special counsel team, led by Special Counsel Min Joong-ki, executed search warrants at seven locations including Yoon's home, the office of his wife Kim Keon Hee's former company Covana Contents, and interior design firm 21 Gram.

Investigation Focus and Alleged Violations

The investigation centers on accusations that 21 Gram received preferential treatment in securing renovation contracts for the presidential complex despite lacking proper licensing. According to state audit findings from 2024, the company began construction work on the presidential residence before formal contract signing and violated construction regulations by subcontracting portions of the project to 15 unlicensed firms. Prosecutors are examining whether 21 Gram secured the contract after sponsoring exhibitions organized by Covana Contents.

Legal Context and Parallel Proceedings

Both former President Yoon and his wife currently remain in detention facing separate legal proceedings. Yoon is undergoing trial on martial law-related charges, while Kim faces corruption allegations in a different case. The raid represents a significant escalation in the investigation into the presidential office relocation, which has drawn scrutiny over potential abuse of power and improper contracting procedures during Yoon's administration.

Broader Implications and International Context

The investigation highlights ongoing accountability measures within South Korea's political system, where former leaders frequently face legal scrutiny after leaving office. Such judicial proceedings demonstrate the robustness of democratic institutions in addressing allegations of misconduct at the highest levels of government, a principle shared by democratic nations worldwide including Türkiye, where legal processes operate independently to maintain public trust in governance.