Prosecutors in South Korea have questioned First Lady Kim Keon Hee for the first time regarding her receipt of a luxury Christian Dior handbag, sparking a significant political controversy.
The Independent reported that the questioning is part of an investigation amid accusations that the gift may have been exchanged for political favors.
The Seoul Central District prosecutor’s office confirmed that Ms. Kim was questioned for approximately 12 hours, starting at 1:30 PM on Saturday and extending into the early hours of Sunday. This marks the first occasion in South Korean history that prosecutors have interrogated a first lady. The inquiry focuses on allegations that Ms. Kim accepted a Dior handbag valued at three million won (£1742) in exchange for political favors.
In 2022, spy camera footage emerged showing Ms. Kim receiving a luxury handbag from a pastor. The scandal has significantly impacted public opinion, causing President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating to plummet below 30%. South Korean law prohibits government officials and their spouses from accepting gifts valued over $750, regardless of any apparent conflict of interest.
Ms. Kim’s lawyer, Choi Ji-woo, stated that she fully cooperated with the investigation and provided truthful testimony. According to her aide, Ms. Kim initially intended to return the handbag to the pastor on the same day she received it but forgot due to other tasks. The handbag has reportedly remained unused and stored by the presidential office since then.
The footage shows Ms. Kim in her private office, away from the presidential premises, expressing discomfort with the gift. The pastor involved claimed he felt compelled to expose Ms. Kim after hearing her discuss the appointment of a high-ranking official during their meeting. This revelation has led to increased political attacks on President Yoon, who is already grappling with several domestic challenges.
President Yoon initially dismissed the scandal as a "political scheme" in February, stating that his wife accepted the bag because it was difficult for her to refuse it. However, in a rare press conference in May, he apologized for his wife's actions, acknowledging the public's concern over her behavior.
The controversy surrounding the Dior bag is not the only challenge facing Ms. Kim. She has also been accused of stock manipulation and academic plagiarism, allegations that have compounded the political turmoil. The stock manipulation charges date back to before her marriage to President Yoon in 2012.
The main opposition, the Democratic Party of Korea, has passed a bill demanding a special counsel to investigate these allegations. However, President Yoon vetoed the bill using his executive power. The political climate remains tense, with the opposition continuing to criticize the administration.
President Yoon's administration is contending with multiple domestic issues, including a slowing economy, the aftermath of the Halloween crush probe, and tensions with North Korea. The handbag scandal has further strained public trust in the government.
Ms. Kim's involvement in these controversies has led to questions about her roles and responsibilities as the first lady. The opposition has leveraged these scandals to attack the president, exacerbating the political instability.
Despite the political fallout, Ms. Kim's lawyer maintains that she has been truthful and cooperative throughout the investigation. The handbag remains unused, and the First Lady's intentions regarding its return are part of the ongoing inquiry.
The questioning of South Korea's first lady over a luxury handbag sparked a political scandal and highlighted deeper issues within the administration. President Yoon's approval ratings have suffered, and the opposition continues to press for further investigations into Ms. Kim's past actions. The outcome of these inquiries could have significant implications for the administration's future and public perception. As the investigation unfolds, the political landscape in South Korea remains fraught with tension and uncertainty.
