Kim Keon-hee's 'Butler' Flees Abroad as Special Prosecutor Issues Interpol Red Notice - Key Sambu Construction Figure Also on the Run

Butler Gate Scandal Intensifies as Key Figure Flees

The investigation into South Korea's former First Lady Kim Keon-hee has taken a dramatic turn as her close aide, known as her 'butler,' has fled the country to avoid prosecution. Kim Ye-seong, a 48-year-old businessman with deep ties to the former first lady's family, is now the subject of an international manhunt after the special prosecutor's office secured an arrest warrant and initiated Interpol red notice procedures. The case, dubbed 'Butler Gate,' centers on allegations that Kim used his connections with the former first lady to secure massive investments from major corporations, then siphoned off billions of won for personal use. This scandal has become one of the most closely watched corruption cases in recent South Korean political history, highlighting the intersection of political influence and corporate corruption.

The Fugitive Butler: Kim Ye-seong's International Escape

Deputy Special Prosecutor Moon Hong-joo revealed during a Thursday briefing that Kim Ye-seong obtained an arrest warrant on Wednesday and was immediately placed on the wanted list. The prosecutor's office has begun procedures to invalidate Kim's passport through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and requested an Interpol red notice through the National Police Agency. Intelligence suggests that Kim initially fled to Vietnam in April but has since moved to a third country, possibly Thailand, to evade capture. Moon publicly urged Kim to 'immediately return home and cooperate with the investigation,' emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against him. The special prosecutor's office estimates it will take two to three weeks to complete the passport cancellation and secure the Interpol Red Notice. Kim's wife, who was prevented from leaving for Ho Chi Minh City last month due to a departure ban, is believed to be hiding somewhere in Seoul's Gangnam District.

The 18.4 Billion Won Investment Scheme

The Butler Gate scandal revolves around Kim Ye-seong's rental car company, IMS Mobility, which received a staggering 18.4 billion won in investments from major corporations and financial institutions in 2023. The investors included Kakao Mobility, HS Hyosung affiliates, Korea Securities Finance, and Kiwoom Securities - companies that were all facing legal risks and regulatory scrutiny at the time of their investments. Prosecutors allege that these corporations invested in Kim's company expecting him to leverage his close relationship with former First Lady Kim Keon-hee to resolve their legal troubles. Of the total investment, Kim allegedly funneled 4.6 billion won through shell companies for personal gain. The investigation has revealed a decade-long business relationship between Kim and the former first lady, with Kim's company appearing as an investor in Kobana Contents, the exhibition planning company operated by Kim Keon-hee. This financial entanglement has raised serious questions about the extent of political influence peddling at the highest levels of South Korean society.

Sambu Construction Stock Manipulation: Another Escape

The special prosecutor's investigation has expanded beyond Butler Gate to include the Sambu Construction stock manipulation case, where another key figure has fled justice. Lee Ki-hoon, chairman of Wellbiotech and vice chairman of Sambu Construction, failed to appear for his scheduled arrest warrant review on Thursday afternoon, prompting prosecutors to declare him a fugitive. Lee is accused of orchestrating a scheme where Sambu Construction and its affiliates deceived investors by falsely claiming involvement in Ukraine reconstruction projects, causing stock prices to surge nearly five-fold from May to July 2023. The companies earned tens of billions of won in illegal profits by selling shares at inflated prices before the scheme collapsed. Special Prosecutor Moon stated that even Lee's lawyer claimed not to know his whereabouts, and if there had been an accident, the court would have been notified immediately. This pattern of key suspects fleeing the country demonstrates the international scope of the corruption network under investigation.

Political Implications and Public Outrage

The Butler Gate scandal has reignited public scrutiny of former First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who has been largely absent from public life following previous controversies including the Dior bag scandal. The case has drawn intense political attention, with opposition parties using it to criticize the previous administration's handling of corruption allegations. Community reactions on major Korean forums have been overwhelmingly negative, with netizens expressing frustration that wealthy and well-connected individuals can simply flee the country when facing legal troubles. Many commenters have pointed out the stark contrast between how ordinary citizens face justice and how those with political connections can escape overseas. The involvement of major corporations like Kakao in the investment scheme has also sparked discussions about corporate responsibility and the culture of influence peddling in South Korean business circles. Critics argue that this case exemplifies the systemic corruption that has plagued South Korean politics for decades.

International Manhunt and Legal Procedures

The special prosecutor's office has launched a comprehensive international effort to locate and apprehend Kim Ye-seong. Officials plan to work with Interpol and local police in the countries where Kim is believed to be hiding, then arrange for his extradition back to South Korea. The process involves multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for passport invalidation and the National Police Agency for international coordination. Legal experts note that securing extradition can be a lengthy process, potentially taking months or even years depending on the cooperation of foreign governments and the existence of extradition treaties. The case has highlighted gaps in South Korea's ability to prevent suspects from fleeing abroad, prompting discussions about strengthening departure controls for individuals under investigation. The special prosecutor's office has also summoned various business leaders for questioning, including former executives from Korea Securities Finance and Daou Kiwoom Group, as they work to unravel the full extent of the corruption network.

Cultural Context: The 'Butler' Phenomenon in Korean Politics

For international observers, understanding the 'butler' concept is crucial to grasping this scandal's significance in Korean political culture. The term reflects the hierarchical nature of Korean society, where powerful figures often have loyal aides who handle sensitive matters and maintain extensive networks on their behalf. Kim Ye-seong's role went far beyond that of a typical assistant - he was deeply embedded in the former first lady's business and personal affairs, serving as a bridge between political power and private interests. This relationship model is common in Korean politics, where trusted intermediaries often facilitate deals and connections that would be inappropriate if conducted directly by political figures. The scandal has exposed how these informal power structures can be exploited for personal gain, raising questions about transparency and accountability in South Korean governance. Korean netizens have expressed particular anger at what they see as the abuse of traditional loyalty and service relationships for corrupt purposes, viewing it as a betrayal of cultural values.