First lady Kim Keon Hee’s luxury gift becomes a national controversy
In a political drama captivating South Korea, a seemingly innocuous Dior handbag has become the center of a scandal threatening President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration and challenging the credibility of the country’s highest office.
The incident revolves around a 3 million won (approximately $2,250) Dior handbag given to First Lady Kim Keon Hee by Pastor Choi Jae-young in 2022. This gift is extraordinary because of its documentation and subsequent public revelation.
Choi Jae-young, a pastor known for opposing President Yoon’s stance on North Korea, captured the moment using a camera concealed in a watch.
In the video, he is seen walking into what looks like the office of a planning firm run by Kim and giving her a shopping bag, which apparently had the Dior bag. “Why do you keep bringing these?” Kim was heard saying in the video. She then added, “Never buy something expensive like this.”.
Political fallout
The video surfaced on a left-leaning political website a year after the incident, reigniting memories of past “pay-to-play” scandals that have plagued South Korean politics.
The controversy quickly escalated, with opposition parties demanding an independent investigation into what they claim could be a potential bribe.
In July 2024, Kim underwent nearly 12 hours of questioning by prosecutors. Her lawyer subsequently stated that she responded “in a sincere manner and told the truth.” Ultimately, prosecutors found no evidence of favors being exchanged for the luxury item.
Presidential response
President Yoon attributed the incident to his wife’s inability to “cut ties” with the pastor. “It will be important to draw a clearer line to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” he stated, attempting to defuse the mounting political pressure.
The scandal comes at a precarious time for the Yoon administration, which is already facing challenges, including a controversial brief imposition of martial law. The Dior handbag incident has further eroded public support and raised questions about transparency and ethical standards in South Korean political leadership.
Public perception
The controversy has sparked a national debate about power, access, and the personal conduct of high-ranking government officials. It has reignited discussions about the fine line between personal gifts and potential political manipulation.
As the political storm continues, the seemingly simple gift of a luxury handbag has transformed into a complex narrative of power, perception, and political integrity in South Korea.