South Korean prosecutors have launched a fresh investigation into alleged slush funds linked to the late former President Roh Tae-woo, conducting raids on multiple properties, according to reports from 한겨레 and KBS News.
The probe was triggered by revelations made during a divorce lawsuit, which reportedly brought a memo detailing around 30 billion won into the public eye, per v.daum.net. Prosecutors have since searched the residence of Roh's widow, Kim Ok-suk, as well as the homes of former secretaries who served during Roh's presidency, the 경향신문 reported. KBS News also reported that a foundation run by Roh's eldest son was searched, with authorities suspecting it may have been used as a channel for laundering funds.
Roh Tae-woo, who served as South Korea's president from 1988 to 1993, was previously convicted in the 1990s on corruption charges related to the accumulation of a massive political slush fund. The current case marks a potential reopening of that chapter, more than three decades after the original scandal broke.
The investigation appears to have gained momentum after the memo surfaced during the divorce proceedings, which involved a prominent business family. According to the reports, the memo's contents have raised questions about whether assets linked to the former president were hidden or transferred, and whether they could now be subject to confiscation.
Prosecutors are now examining whether the assets detailed in the memo can be traced and seized, with the raids signaling a serious push to resolve the long-dormant case. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether the renewed scrutiny will lead to new charges or asset recovery.
