The ruling People Power Party (PPP) in South Korea is facing turmoil due to the controversy surrounding the alleged acceptance of a luxury Dior bag by First Lady Kim Keon Hee. Spy camera footage, released late last year, seems to show a pastor presenting the bag to her, raising concerns about potential impropriety.
The video, published by the left-wing YouTube channel Voice of Seoul, was reportedly filmed secretly by Pastor Choi Jae-young using a camera embedded in his watch. It suggests that the bag, costing approximately 3 million won ($2,200; £1,800), was purchased by Mr. Choi and given to the first lady in September 2022. Although the video does not explicitly show Ms. Kim accepting the gift, the presidential office confirmed receipt and stated that it is being managed as government property.
Analysts suggest that this scandal poses a threat to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s party in the upcoming April elections. Recent polls indicate that 69% of eligible voters seek an explanation from President Yoon regarding his wife’s actions, while a December poll showed 53% believed her behavior was inappropriate.
South Korean law
South Korean law prohibits public officials and their spouses from receiving gifts exceeding 1 million won in one instance or a total of 3 million won within a fiscal year. The controversy has become a political bombshell, impacting President Yoon’s approval ratings, which had been showing signs of improvement.
The opposition Democratic Party has capitalized on the issue to criticize Mr. Yoon and his party. Opposition leader Hong Ik-pyo stated that an apology would not suffice, and another PPP leader compared the first lady to Marie Antoinette.
This controversy adds to a series of issues involving South Korea’s first lady. Accusations of stock price manipulation and allegations of a scrapped expressway project benefiting her family financially have previously surfaced. Last month, President Yoon vetoed a bill calling for an investigation into the stock manipulation claims.
The scandal has also created internal tensions within the PPP, leading to discussions about the resignation of the party’s leader, Han Dong-hoon. Although initially suggesting Mr. Han’s resignation, President Yoon has seemingly mended the relationship, as Han is considered a protégé and potential presidential candidate in 2027.
As the controversy unfolds just months before legislative elections, it remains to be seen how President Yoon and the PPP navigate the political fallout and whether this will impact the electoral landscape in South Korea.
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