Why South Korea’s First Lady Is Currently Under Criminal Investigation

In recent developments in South Korea, the country’s First Lady, Kim Keon Hee, has found herself at the center of a criminal investigation. This situation stems from allegations that she accepted an expensive designer handbag as a gift under questionable circumstances.

The case emerged into the public domain when the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office was assigned to investigate a complaint. The allegation is that Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, inappropriately accepted a high-end designer bag from a pastor in September last year.

This information first came to light through a report by Voice of Seoul, a liberal YouTube-based news channel. The channel claimed that the First Lady received a bag worth about ₩3.00 million KRW (about $2,330 USD) from a Korean American pastor, Choi Jae Young, and supported their claim with a video recording of the incident.

The video, which plays a crucial role in this case, was reportedly secretly filmed by Pastor Choi using a camera disguised as a watch. Intriguingly, the bag in question was provided by Voice of Seoul. Following the release of this video, the head of Voice of Seoul filed a formal complaint with the prosecution, accusing the presidential couple of bribery.

Under the Kim Young Ran Act — also known as the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act — the spouse of a public official is prohibited from receiving gifts exceeding ₩1.00 million KRW (about $775 USD) in a single instance or gifts totaling more than ₩3.00 million KRW (about $2,330 USD) over one year. Violation of this law can result in up to three years in prison and fines of up to 30 million won. Given that the value of the handbag allegedly received by Kim Keon Hee surpasses this limit, the legal implications are significant.

Kim Keon Hee’s response to the allegations has been subject to scrutiny. She claimed to have received the gift “in a moment of bewilderment” but did not reject or return it. This aspect of the case has raised questions about her understanding and adherence to the law.

The issue extends beyond the First Lady to President Yoon Suk Yeol. As per the law, when a public official learns that their spouse has accepted a prohibited gift, they are required to report it immediately in writing and either return the item or persuade their spouse to do so. This law stipulates that such action must be taken “without delay.” Failure to comply subjects the official to the same punishments as their spouse.

Questions thus arise about when President Yoon became aware of the incident and whether he fulfilled his legal obligations. Since the release of the video, the presidential office’s lack of response or comment on the matter has only intensified public and legal interest.