On August 12, Judge Jeong Jae-wook of the Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Kim Keon-hee, citing risk of evidence destruction. This marks the first time in South Korea’s history that a First Lady has been summoned by a special counsel and taken into custody as a criminal suspect.
The key evidence behind Kim Keon-hee’s arrest is a Van Cleef & Arpels Snowflake Pendant Necklace worth around ₩60 million, allegedly gifted by construction firm Seohui Construction ahead of the NATO summit in June 2022. A sworn statement from Seohui’s chairman claimed the gift was purchased right after Yoon’s presidential election victory in March 2022.
Kim Keon-hee’s affinity for Van Cleef & Arpels was well-known, with public appearances in the brand’s Alhambra bracelets and high-jewelry pieces. This preference, combined with her omission of such assets in official financial disclosures, fueled public suspicion.
Investigators have uncovered a trail of high-value items allegedly received by Kim Keon-hee:
- A ₩54 million Vacheron Constantin watch, bought by a close associate and given to her in September 2022, reportedly at her request.
- A ₩62 million Graff diamond necklace and two Chanel handbags from figures linked to the Unification Church, allegedly intended to curry political favor.
- Multiple Cartier and Tiffany accessories worn during public events, valued in the millions of won.
The special counsel suspects many of these items were given with the intent of influencing political or business decisions, and some may have been acquired through intermediaries to obscure the true source.
The scandal has also drawn attention to a 2023 incident involving a secretly recorded video of Kim Keon-hee receiving a ₩3 million Dior handbag. At the time, the presidential office dismissed it as “a hidden camera setup” and offered no apology—underscoring that, compared to her usual acquisitions, Dior was considered minor.
The case highlights how many of the items Kim Keon-hee allegedly accepted come from the world’s most exclusive luxury houses—brands like Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Vacheron Constantin, which rarely offer endorsements and cater only to the ultra-wealthy.
Prosecutors continue to track the origins, payment methods, and delivery routes of these goods, suggesting the scandal could implicate additional business and political figures.
Sources: Edaily
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