The special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki, which is investigating various allegations involving first lady Kim Keon-hee's family, is set to ask President Lee Jae-myung to extend the investigation period.
On the 18th, the Kim Keon-hee special counsel said at a briefing, "Given that the cases we are currently investigating have not been completed, and that first lady Kim Keon-hee and former President Yoon Suk-yeol are expected not to appear on the dates scheduled for next week, we will request an extension of the investigation time from President Lee on the 19th, considering the need for further questioning to decide whether to indict."
Originally, the special counsel's investigation period was set to expire on the 28th, but with the president's approval it can be extended for 30 more days.
In addition, the special counsel said it has, for the first time, applied to broadcast Kim's trial. Deputy special counsel Kim Hyung-keun said, "To guarantee the public's right to know, we applied to the court on the 17th for permission to broadcast the trial, limited to the documentary evidence examination on the 19th and the defendant interrogation expected on Dec. 3."
Kim was previously photographed and filmed by the media entering the courtroom at the first hearing in September, but other proceedings, such as the examination of witnesses, were not broadcast.
In addition, the special counsel said it will summon and question People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sun-kyo on the 26th. Kim had been scheduled to appear on the 21st, but reportedly asked the special counsel to adjust the date due to a change of attorney.