SEOUL — A scandal of unprecedented scale is unfolding, alleging that First Lady Kim Keon-hee received millions of dollars in luxury goods in exchange for political favors and job appointments. Legal experts have condemned these actions, calling them "an unparalleled and grave criminal act for a public figure's spouse." The special prosecution team is investigating multiple claims of bribery and influence peddling, with the total value of confirmed luxury gifts exceeding 200 million won ($150,000).
Bribery Allegations with chairman of Seokhee Construction
The scandal's latest development involves Lee Bong-kwan, chairman of Seokhee Construction, who confessed to providing the First Lady with luxury jewelry. Lee's confession detailed three pieces of jewelry: a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a brooch, and earrings, totaling over 100 million won. These gifts were allegedly a quid pro quo for securing a high-ranking government position for Lee's son-in-law, Park Sung-geun, who was appointed Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo shortly after the gifts were given.
The First Lady reportedly returned the necklace and brooch in late 2023, following the "Dior bag scandal" and increasing pressure from the opposition party. However, the earrings were not returned. The special prosecutor is now investigating if other luxury items, such as a Tiffany brooch and a Cartier bracelet, were also bribes.
Watches for Presidential Office Positions
In a separate but related case, businessman Seo Mo allegedly gave the First Lady a luxury watch worth 50 million won. Following this gift, Seo’s company secured a three-month contract with the Presidential Security Service for a "robot dog" leasing program. Seo also claimed that the First Lady offered him a position in the Presidential Office's public relations department.
Other Allegations and the Investigation
The special prosecution is also investigating allegations that the First Lady received over 80 million won in gifts, including a Graff necklace and two Chanel bags, from a key Unification Church official. The official allegedly sought favors related to official development assistance projects.
Investigators are prioritizing finding evidence of the First Lady's direct involvement in various scandals, including the highly controversial Yangpyeong Expressway route change. They are also considering holding face-to-face interrogations with the First Lady and key witnesses whose testimonies contradict hers. The ongoing investigation suggests that the scale of the alleged corruption is still expanding, with more luxury items and influence-peddling claims under scrutiny.
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