Seoul – The Supreme Prosecutors Office’s investigation review committee has advised against indicting First Lady Kim Keon Hee for accepting a luxury handbag, concluding a high-profile case that captured public and media attention over potential misconduct.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the committee, comprised of 15 outside experts, convened at the top prosecutor’s office on Friday to deliberate on allegations involving the first lady. The accusations centered around her receipt of a Dior handbag valued at 3 million won (US$2,248) and other expensive gifts from Korean American pastor Choi Jae-young in 2022. After a thorough four-month investigation, the prosecutors had earlier dismissed charges of graft, bribery, and other related accusations, determining that the gifts had no connection to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s official duties.
Prosecutor General Lee One-seok escalated the matter to the review committee to guarantee the fairness of the investigative outcomes, reflecting the sensitive nature of the case. During the session, the prosecution team elucidated their rationale for dropping the charges, while the first lady’s attorney presented her defense.
The session excluded pastor Choi Jae-young, despite his repeated requests to participate, as the proceedings only permit the involvement of victims or suspects directly related to the case. Choi, however, held a press conference outside the prosecutor’s office, criticizing the investigative process as biased and claiming that his gifts were intended to secure administrative favors from the first lady.
Although the panel’s recommendation is influential, it is not binding, with prosecutors retaining the discretion to accept or reject the advice. This mechanism of engaging external experts for reviewing sensitive cases underscores the judicial system’s efforts to maintain impartiality and transparency in politically charged investigations.