Jeong Geun-soo, former Executive Vice President of Shinhan Bank, is appearing at the office of the special prosecutor's team led by Min Jung-ki, which is investigating allegations related to First Lady Kim Keon-hee, at the KT Gwanghwamun Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 23rd. Yonhap News

The term ‘Butler Gate’ is rapidly circulating among the media and investigative agencies. While its substance has not yet been clearly revealed, the media is portraying it as a ‘second state affairs manipulation’ and defining it as a power-related scandal centered around First Lady Kim Keon-hee. The special prosecutor's team, not to be outdone, is continuing to summon individuals, conduct raids, and demand appearances daily, effectively solidifying this framing.

However, is it truly possible to conclude it is a ‘gate’ based solely on the circumstances revealed so far? Or is it closer to ‘gate-making,’ where suspicions are amplified and a name is attached to create a case?

The origin of the case is the fact that hundreds of billions of won in investment from large corporations and financial institutions were attracted to IMS Mobility, a rental car platform company established with the participation of Ms. Kim Ye-seong, known as a long-time close associate of First Lady Kim Keon-hee. At the time, the company was in a state of complete capital erosion, and suspicions were raised that a portion of the investment funds was used to purchase existing shares through a company where Ms. Kim Ye-seong’s spouse was listed as a director.

The special prosecutor’s team views this flow as ‘nominee trading,’ and the media immediately followed with reports stating that ‘First Lady Kim Keon-hee's family illegally profited.’

However, most of the physical evidence the special prosecutor's team claims to have secured so far is at the circumstantial level.

Investors are arguing that “it was an investment based on a normal corporate valuation,” and a direct link to Mrs. Kim has not been confirmed. While Ms. Kim Ye-seong is in hiding, the absence of a suspect does not constitute proof of a crime.

It is difficult to avoid suspicion that designating this case as a ‘gate’ at a politically sensitive time and placing the President's spouse's name at the forefront is not an intended investigative frame.

It is particularly concerning that the media is competitively releasing sensational terms such as ‘Kim Keon-hee’s Butler,’ ‘Mrs. Kim's abuse of power for illegal profits,’ and ‘Is IMS the second Covana?’ and that the special prosecutor’s team seems to be matching the speed of its investigation in response. Investigations should be conducted quietly, and the media should report coolly. However, in this case, it is difficult to shake the impression that the media and the special prosecutor's team are working in concert to build suspicions and guide public opinion.

If the special prosecutor system, which must maintain political neutrality, is either capitalizing on media offensives or, conversely, ‘directing’ the investigation itself for political purposes, the damage will be borne by the entire nation.

The truth must be judged solely based on evidence and legal principles, and people should not be condemned based on mere circumstances or relationships. A gate is revealed, not affixed.

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