Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
First lady's reserved role strikes contrast with controversial predecessor
President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hea Kyung arrive for a state visit to Italy by presidential plane at Rome Fiumicino International Airport in Rome, Thursday (local time). Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo
First lady Kim Hea Kyung has remained largely out of the spotlight during the first year of President Lee Jae Myung's administration, adopting a low-key public role that contrasts sharply with the high-profile approach of her predecessor, Kim Keon Hee.
Kim Hea Kyung has limited her public appearances and stayed away from political issues — a strategy political observers describe as prudent, given that presidential spouses, despite holding no official constitutional role, can shape public perceptions and affect a president's political standing.
“The country has witnessed the so-called 'first lady risk' associated with former first lady Kim Keon Hee,” an analyst said on condition of anonymity. “In light of that, the incumbent first lady's reserved role appears appropriate and consistent with her role of supporting the president."
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol and former first lady Kim Keon Hee, left, pose with then-U.S. President Joe Biden, third from left, and then-U.S. first lady Jill Biden, right, during a state dinner at the White House in Washington, D.C., April 26, 2023 (local time), during Yoon's state visit to the U.S. Yonhap
Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted on charges including stock price manipulation involving Deutsch Motors and accepting money and valuables linked to the Unification Church, a religious group.
Her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is currently serving a prison sentence over his illegal martial law declaration in December 2024.
Kim Hea Kyung has primarily accompanied President Lee Jae Myung at domestic events and on diplomatic visits abroad. When appearing on her own, the first lady has focused on a narrow range of activities in less politicized areas such as welfare, volunteer work and charitable causes.
Despite her limited public profile, there have been moments when the first lady attracted widespread positive attention.
During French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Korea in April, she attended official events wearing a bright yellow hanbok inspired by forsythia blossoms. Images of her dress circulated widely online and were picked up by foreign media outlets.
Some political observers argue that the first lady should maintain her restrained public role and limited scope of activities.
"I would say public fatigue stemming from controversies surrounding the previous first lady still persists," said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University, adding, “That sentiment makes Kim Hea Kyung's cautious approach appear appropriate.”
Others, however, argue that a low-profile approach is not the only model, noting that several former first ladies earned favorable reviews by actively engaging in charitable work, public service and public outreach on a broader scale than Kim Hea Kyung's current activities.