Anti-Corruption Law Violation Alleged in Dior Bag Case
Authorities have forwarded a case to prosecutors alleging violations of the Anti-Corruption Act, specifically concerning First Lady Kim Keon-hee’s alleged receipt of a Dior bag. The suspicion is that the incident is connected to the duties of then-President Yoon Suk-yeol.
The investigation unit of the National Police Agency’s special investigative division reported on June 19 that former President Yoon was referred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office on June 9 under suspicion of violating the Anti-Corruption Act.
Reports indicate that investigators determined the Dior bag, valued at approximately 5.4 million won and received by Kim in June 2022 from Pastor Choi Jae-young, had a connection to then-President Yoon’s official responsibilities. It is also believed that Yoon was aware of his wife’s receipt of the item but failed to report it to his office, which constitutes a violation of the Anti-Corruption Act.
However, the police did not apply charges of bribery against former President Yoon. This decision was reportedly made because there was insufficient evidence to conclude that Yoon or his spouse had solicited the luxury item in advance.
First Lady Kim Keon-hee is currently undergoing trial for allegations of accepting gifts, including the Dior bag, a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, and gold bars, in exchange for influence peddling and appointments. In the first trial, she received a sentence of seven years and six months imprisonment. An appeal hearing is scheduled for July 26.
