The alleged acceptance of a luxury Dior bag by South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee has ignited a controversy that is causing turmoil within the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and could impact President Yoon Suk Yeol’s party in the upcoming April elections.
Late last year, spy camera footage emerged, seemingly showing a pastor presenting the luxury bag to the first lady. Although the video doesn’t explicitly show her accepting the gift, confirmation from the presidential office and its management as government property have fueled public discontent. The scandal, widely covered by left-wing media, has become a major talking point in political discourse.
Recent polls indicate that 69% of eligible voters demand an explanation from President Yoon about his wife’s actions, and a December poll suggested that 53% found her behavior inappropriate.
With legislative elections just three months away, the scandal comes at a crucial time for President Yoon, whose approval ratings have been gradually recovering. Political analysts describe the situation as a “political bombshell” with potential ramifications for the PPP.
The opposition Democratic Party has seized on the issue to criticize President Yoon and the ruling party. Internal divisions within the PPP have also emerged, as President Yoon reportedly urged the party leader, Han Dong-hoon, to resign after he acknowledged the matter as a “public concern.” Despite tensions, both men continue to work within the party.
The controversy surrounding Kim Keon Hee has led to comparisons with Marie Antoinette, known for her extravagant lifestyle. This latest scandal adds to a series of allegations involving the first lady, including accusations of stock price manipulation and a scrapped expressway project that raises questions about potential financial benefits to her family.
As South Korea approaches a critical election period, the luxury bag scandal threatens to reshape the political landscape, prompting calls for transparency and accountability from President Yoon and the PPP.
