The prosecution has cleared Kim Keon-hee, wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol, of all charges related to allegations that she accepted a luxury handbag from a Korean American pastor. The decision, made on Oct 2., comes nearly 10 months after an undercover video related to the case was released last November, concluding the investigation and exonerating her of legal responsibility. Despite the legal outcome, the controversy surrounding Kim’s actions continues to influence the National Assembly’s state audit in October, intensifying political pressure on the ruling party.
The scandal began when Pastor Choi Jae-young visited the office of Covana Contents in September 2022 and presented Kim with a Dior handbag valued at approximately 3 million won (about $2,265). This exchange was secretly recorded using a wristwatch camera, and an opposition-affiliated YouTube channel released the footage in November, five months ahead of the general election. Under Chief Prosecutor Kim Seung-ho, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office Division 1 announced that no charges were found against Kim regarding the Dior bag, ruling out violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. The prosecution stated that the gift was unrelated to the president’s official duties and that there are no legal grounds for penalizing a public official’s spouse. It was determined that the bag was intended as a gesture of goodwill to secure a meeting with Kim rather than a reward for any specific favor. Similar conclusions were reached regarding Chanel cosmetics worth 1.79 million won and liquor worth 400,000 won, also given to Kim by Choi in June and August 2022.
Some within the ruling party argue that Kim still holds moral and political responsibility for accepting expensive gifts, despite the legal outcome. The Democratic Party of Korea and other opposition groups have announced plans to push for a re-vote on Oct 4. regarding a special investigation into the first lady, following President Yoon’s veto of the initial proposal. If blocked again, they intend to reintroduce the bill. Opposition members have also stated that the upcoming National Assembly audit, set to begin on Oct 7., will heavily focus on “Kim Keon-hee’s audit.” While the ruling People Power Party opposes the bill for a special investigation into Kim, many within the party, including its leadership, believe she should address the ongoing controversies directly.
Meanwhile, the prosecution is expected to clear Kim of charges related to the Deutsch Motors stock manipulation case as early as next week.
