Prosecutors seek to summon Korea's first lady over Dior bag scandal

President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee, right, attend a welcome dinner of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of presidential office

Prosecutors are considering summoning first lady Kim Keon Hee over her controversial acceptance of a Christian Dior bag from a pastor in 2022, with the country’s top prosecutor saying that “no one stands above the law,” in reference to Kim’s case.

If Kim appears before prosecutors, it will be the first instance of the authorities questioning the wife of a sitting president. This event is likely to create massive political turmoil, adversely affecting public sentiment toward President Yoon Suk Yeol.

On his way to his office on Wednesday, Prosecutor General Lee One-seok told reporters, “I kindly ask the people to take a look at the work we will do,” when asked whether prosecutors intend to question the first lady.

Lee made similar comments when asked the same question on Monday.

"No one stands above the law, and I have always emphasized that principle,” he said.

“The prosecution is committed to following the proper path without considering political factions, vested interests, status, or power,” Lee said. “I believe the investigation team will make the right decision after a thorough review of the necessity of questioning (the first lady).”

Prosecutor General Lee One-seok, center, takes reporters' questions on his way to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho District, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

The comments came after the prosecution’s investigation into Kim’s case recently showed progress.

Prosecutors have already finished questioning key witnesses involved in the handbag scandal, including Pastor Choi Jae-young, who delivered the bag. Reportedly, the investigation team has secured evidence, including a mobile message chats between Kim and Choi and the recording of phone conversations between the pastor and presidential office staff.

In KakaoTalk chats between Kim and Choi, revealed by the Hankyoreh newspaper, Choi asked for a meeting with Kim while sending photos of Chanel paper gift bags in June 2022. Choi told prosecutors that the paper gift bags contained 1.8 million won ($1,314) worth of cosmetics and that he delivered them to the first lady on June 20.

Choi requested the appointment of former U.S. congressman Kim Chang-jun, also known as Jay Kim, as a state adviser, but this did not materialize.

In separate chats revealed by Yonhap News Agency, Choi sent Kim photos of a Christian Dior gift box in September 2022, asking for a meeting. The first lady's aide replied that Kim would be available. Choi claims that he met Kim on Sept. 13, one day after the aide replied.

Reportedly, the investigation team believes it is necessary to question Kim directly, to cross-check testimonies and evidence collected so far.

Although the scene of the first lady accepting the handbag was filmed with a spy camera and reported by an online media company last year, it remains uncertain whether the acceptance of the bag is subject to legal punishment.

The Act on Improper Solicitation and Graft stipulates that the spouse of a public servant must not receive, request, or promise to receive any money or goods exceeding 1 million won in connection with the official's duties. However, the act does not specify punishments for the spouse.

If Kim were to be punished, prosecutors should indict her on charges of bribery or breach of trust, which is stated in the Criminal Act. In this case, there should be evidence showing that Choi received unfair or illegal benefits. Due to this, controversies are expected to continue over-interpreting legal aspects of the case.

Meanwhile, Kim Jung-sook, the wife of former President Moon Jae-in, will take legal action against conservative politicians who have been raising suspicions over her 2018 solo visit to India where she used the presidential jet.

Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Youn Kun-young said at a press conference Tuesday that “the (former) first lady is planning to formally file lawsuits against those making unfounded and malicious attacks related to her official diplomatic activities.”

A number of ruling People Power Party lawmakers, including Reps. Bae Hyun-jin and Yoon Sang-hyun criticized Kim for spending 400 million won in public funds, including about 62 million won ($45,109) on in-flight meals and taking a trip to the Taj Mahal to fulfill her personal wishes with taxpayer money.