South Korean President Addresses Controversies Surrounding First Lady

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has issued an apology regarding controversies surrounding his wife, which involve allegations of receiving a luxury handbag and stock manipulation. Despite his acknowledgment of her inappropriate conduct and plans to enhance oversight of her duties, he dismissed calls for a formal investigation, pointing to exaggerated reports.

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has publicly apologized for a series of controversies surrounding his wife, Kim Keon Hee, which include allegations of accepting a luxury handbag and engaging in stock manipulation practices. In a televised address to the nation, Yoon expressed that Kim should have acted more appropriately but argued that the portrayal of her character had been excessively vilified, suggesting that many of the claims against her were inflated.

In a move to address these issues, the president announced the establishment of an office dedicated to overseeing the official duties of the first lady. However, he firmly rejected calls from political opposition for an investigation into Kim’s dealings, asserting that such measures were unwarranted.

This apology comes at a time when Yoon is attempting to salvage his declining popularity amid public backlash related to his wife's controversies. A notable incident involved a clip released by the left-leaning YouTube channel Voice of Seoul that allegedly depicted Kim receiving a 3 million won ($2,200; £1,800) Dior handbag from a pastor. The exchange was secretly filmed in September 2022, raising questions about ethics and transparency.

Previously, in February, Yoon implied that the leaked footage was part of a political strategy to undermine his administration and did not offer an apology then. The opposition Democratic Party took aim at the president, denouncing his "shameless attitude" during the unfolding scandal. Members of Yoon's party voiced concerns as well, with one leader notably comparing Kim to Marie Antoinette, the iconic figure synonymous with extravagance during a period of political turmoil.

Furthermore, there have been ongoing accusations from the opposition regarding Kim's potential involvement in manipulating stock prices. Earlier this year, the president chose to veto a proposal that called for an investigation into these allegations. As political tensions mount, the controversies surrounding Kim Keon Hee continue to pose challenges for Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration.