Opposition lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon, wife indicted over luxury gift to ex-first lady

People Power Party lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon's wife attends questioning by the special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki, which is investigating allegations surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee, in Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap

A special counsel team on Saturday indicted Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) and his wife on charges of giving a luxury gift to former first lady Kim Keon Hee.

The team led by special counsel Min Joong-ki indicted Kim and his wife, surnamed Lee, for allegedly delivering a Roger Vivier clutch bag worth 2.6 million won ($1,760) to Kim Keon Hee shortly after the lawmaker was elected PPP chairperson in March 2023.

The clutch bag was found at the former first lady's home, along with a thank-you note written by Lee, during a raid conducted by the special counsel team last month.

Rep. Kim has acknowledged giving the gift but denied the bribery allegations, saying it was merely a matter of social courtesy.