Kim Keon-hee's special investigation team summoned Jo Young-tak, CEO of IMS Mobility, for the second time on the 20th regarding the 'Housekeeper Gate' suspicion.
CEO Jo arrived at the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the special investigation team's office is located, at around 9:31 a.m. He responded 'yes' to the press's question about whether there was any involvement from Kim Keon-hee in external investments.
On that day, CEO Jo was reported to be under investigation for embezzlement in the course of duty and receiving increased punishment under the Specific Economic Crimes Weighted Punishment Act. At the time he was first summoned by the special investigation team on the 2nd, he was a suspect in breach of trust.
The special investigation team refers to the allegations related to IMS Mobility as Housekeeper Gate. The Housekeeper Gate mentioned by the special investigation team involves allegations that major corporations made solicitous investments in the company where Kim Ye-seong, dubbed the housekeeper of Mrs. Kim, served as a director. Since its establishment in 2013, IMS Mobility, which Kim was involved in, has been continuously in deficit. In June 2023, nine companies, including Kakao Mobility, HS HYOSUNG affiliates, Shinhan Bank, Kiwoom Securities, and Korea Securities Finance, invested 18.4 billion won through funds in this company.
At the time of the investment, the corporations were under investigation by the prosecution and thus faced legal risks. Allegations have been raised that Kim expected to resolve these risks by leveraging her relationship with Mrs. Kim.
Meanwhile, on that day, the special investigation team is expected to investigate the background that allowed CEO Jo to attract investments.