The political landscape of South Korea faces a fresh challenge.
The first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was recently interrogated by prosecutors over a luxury handbag scandal, further complicating Yoon Suk Yeol's presidency.
At the center of this scandal is a Christian Dior handbag valued at approximately three million won. According to the Independent, the first lady was subject to a lengthy questioning session from Saturday afternoon to the early hours of Sunday in an undisclosed government location. This session marks the first occasion a South Korean first lady has faced such a predicament.
A Political and Personal Crisis
This investigation stemmed from a 2022 incident where Kim Keon Hee was allegedly given the expensive handbag by a pastor, an act captured by a spy camera. The ensuing controversy has undeniably shaken President Yoon's administration, contributing to a severe dip in his approval ratings, now below the 30% mark.
Per South Korean law, government officials and their spouses are not to accept gifts valued over $750 unless they are free of any apparent conflict of interest, placing Ms. Kim's receipt of such an expensive item under intense scrutiny.
The narrative provided by the presidency contrasts sharply with these allegations. According to Ms. Kim’s aide, though the first lady had instructed the handbag to be returned, a mishap caused by overwhelming tasks prevented this from happening. The handbag is reported to be unused and currently stored by the presidential office.
The First Lady's Response to the Allegations
Choi Ji-woo, the lawyer representing Ms. Kim, emphasized her cooperation with the legal authorities and insisted on her truthful account during the session. The defense paints a picture of a first lady burdened by unwanted gifts.
Kim Keon Hee pleads with the pastor during the secretly recorded conversation, expressing discomfort at the repeated gift offerings.
Choi Ji-woo stated, “Ms. Kim diligently cooperated with the investigation and truthfully testified to all the facts.”
In addition to the handbag controversy, previous allegations against Ms. Kim concerning stock manipulation and academic dishonesty before her marriage have resurfaced, adding layers to the ongoing political drama.
President Yoon's Stance Amid Controversy
Caught amidst these turbulent times, President Yoon Suk Yeol has faced criticisms from the public and opposition parties who label the scandal as part of a political vendetta. In response to the outcry, President Yoon has had to publicly apologize for his wife's actions, terming them as 'unwise' during a press conference back in May.
The apology aimed to quell the public and political unrest but has done little to stifle the controversy surrounding the presidency and his ruling party, which recently faced a disappointing blow in the parliamentary elections. The party's defeat suggests a public response to the incident and potentially to a broader dissatisfaction with the administration's policies and governance style.
Conclusion
The scandal involving a luxury handbag has not only questioned the ethical standings of South Korea's First Lady, Kim Keon Hee, but it has also cast a long shadow over President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration. His public apology signifies a rare acknowledgment of personal lapses indirectly affecting governance. This incident and allegations against Ms. Kim have profoundly impacted the political climate, reflected in both presidential approval ratings and the party’s performance in recent elections.
