Seoul, August 10: Former South Korean First Lady Kim Gon-hee confirmed on Monday that she received an expensive ‘Roger Vivier clutch’ as a gift in 2023 from the wife of ruling People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon. However, she clarified that the gift was not given directly to her, and at the time, she was unaware of its source.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Gon-hee made this statement during a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court. Lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon and his wife are accused of gifting the bag to the then First Lady to secure support for Kim Gi-hyeon in the party’s presidential election in March 2023.
In response to questions from special prosecutor Min Jong-ki’s team, Kim Gon-hee stated that she initially had no knowledge of the bag but later became aware of it. She mentioned that the bag was delivered indirectly and that she did not attempt to find out its origin.
The former First Lady also noted that she owned several fake designer bags that matched her outfits. When asked if she had seen the Roger Vivier bag among them, she said she believed she had. However, she could not recall seeing any letter that was allegedly sent along with the bag.
Kim Gon-hee is the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was removed from office in 2024 following an attempt to impose martial law. She has been in custody since August of last year and faces multiple charges, including bribery, stock price manipulation, and abuse of power.
Lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon and his wife are also accused of violating anti-corruption laws. The prosecution claims that the bag was given for purposes related to the President’s official duties.
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