South Korea’s prosecutors questioned first lady Kim Keon-hee for nearly 12 hours on July 20 over allegations that she received luxury gifts from a pastor and manipulated Deutsche Motors’ stock prices.
“We requested the first lady’s attendance about the Deutsche Motors stock price manipulation case and a potential violation of the Anti-Graft Act,” the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said on July 21. Kim was questioned face-to-face at an undisclosed government building.
The investigation began at 1:30 p.m. on July 20 and ended around 1:20 a.m. on July 21, lasting roughly 11 hours and 50 minutes. The first lady reportedly agreed to the late-night questioning.
The investigation centers on allegations that Kim received a Dior handbag worth about 3 million won ($2,158) and other expensive gifts from pastor Choi Jae-young in September 2022 in exchange for favors. During the investigation, Kim reportedly provided statements regarding her meeting with Pastor Choi and her alleged involvement in manipulating Deutsche Motors’ stock price.
“The first lady has sincerely engaged in the investigation and has told the truth” said Choi Ji-woo, her legal representative.
It is unprecedented for the wife of a sitting president to be questioned in person by prosecutors. “We cannot disclose the timing and location of the investigation as it involves specific ongoing inquiries,” said an official from the prosecutor’s office.
