Allegations Surface as Politician Faces Scrutiny Over Gift to First Lady
A prominent politician from the People Power Party is currently under investigation by a special prosecutor’s team, facing allegations of gifting an expensive handbag to the former first lady, Kim Keon-hee. The investigation centers on whether this gift was a form of compensation for alleged influence exerted by Kim Keon-hee in securing the politician’s victory in a party leadership election.
The politician, identified as Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, appeared before Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki’s team on the 22nd of the month. The special counsel’s office is reportedly examining the timeline and circumstances surrounding the alleged gift, which is suspected to have violated the Improper Solicitations Act.
Key Allegations and Timeline of Events:
The core of the investigation revolves around a Roger Vivier handbag. Special prosecutors suspect that Kim Keon-hee played a role in helping Kim Gi-hyeon win the People Power Party leadership election held on March 8, 2023. Following this electoral success, it is alleged that Kim Gi-hyeon and his spouse, identified as Lee Mo, presented the handbag to Kim Keon-hee as a token of appreciation or recompense.
- March 8, 2023: Kim Gi-hyeon wins the People Power Party leadership election.
- March 16, 2023: Lee Mo reportedly purchases the Roger Vivier handbag.
- March 17, 2023: The handbag is allegedly delivered to Kim Keon-hee. This date holds particular significance as it was the same day former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife returned to South Korea from a two-day visit to Japan. Kim Gi-hyeon was present to greet the presidential couple at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.
Investigation Intensifies with Searches and Seizures:
In parallel with the questioning of Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, the special counsel’s team has also been actively gathering evidence. On the 17th of the month, a search and seizure operation was conducted at several key locations:
- Kim Gi-hyeon’s residence.
- Kim Gi-hyeon’s office.
- The National Assembly Secretariat’s Legislative Security Office.
During these operations, investigators reportedly seized mobile phones belonging to both Kim Gi-hyeon and his spouse from their residence. Furthermore, records obtained from the Legislative Security Office indicated that Lee Mo’s vehicle entered Kim Gi-hyeon’s office on March 17, 2023, the same day the alleged handbag delivery took place.
Discovery of the Handbag and Supporting Documents:
The Roger Vivier handbag in question was reportedly discovered by the special counsel’s team during a separate search and seizure operation on March 6, 2023. This operation targeted the official residence of the former president, Acro Vista in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
Beyond the handbag itself, investigators also reportedly found a memo dated March 17, 2023, at the former president’s residence. This memo is believed to contain a message from Lee Mo, expressing gratitude for assistance rendered in Kim Gi-hyeon’s successful bid for party leadership.
Questioning and Admissions:
The special counsel’s team intends to thoroughly question Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon regarding the purchase and subsequent gifting of the handbag. The investigation has already involved questioning other key individuals:
- Lee Mo: Summoned on the 5th, she reportedly admitted to gifting the handbag but denied any form of quid pro quo or illicit solicitation.
- Kim Keon-hee: Questioned on the 11th, the former first lady reportedly exercised her right to remain silent and did not provide a statement regarding the allegations.
The unfolding investigation highlights the intense scrutiny political figures and their families can face regarding potential ethical breaches and the use of influence in public office. The special prosecutor’s team is expected to continue its work to ascertain the full facts surrounding the alleged gift and its implications.
