Seoul: Controversy surrounds Myung Tae-kyun, a central figure in allegations of interference in South Korea’s ruling party nomination processes, following his disclosure of text messages between himself and first lady Kim Keon Hee from 2021.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the texts revealed an exchange where Myung informed Kim of an upcoming meeting with Lee Jun-seok, then-leader of the ruling party. Kim responded with words of encouragement and reliance on Myung, referring to her “oppa” in a context that initially suggested a familial relationship. However, Myung later clarified that the “oppa” mentioned was not President Yoon Suk Yeol but allegedly Kim’s elder brother, raising questions about the nature of his involvement in political matters.
The presidential office has countered Myung’s insinuations by stating that the texts were merely private conversations and that Kim’s brother was not involved in political discussions. They also described the relationship between the Yoons and Myung as brief, stat
ing that President Yoon met Myung only twice and had minimal contact thereafter.
Further complicating matters, Myung claimed in a radio interview that he was in regular communication with the Yoon couple for about six months during the party’s presidential nomination race, offering them advice and meeting them multiple times, including at the president’s home. These claims contradict the presidential office’s statements and were supported neither by Lee Jun-seok nor Kim Chong-in, both of whom denied bringing Myung to Yoon’s residence.
Myung’s allegations extend beyond mere association. An audio recording released by an online news outlet purportedly captures him instructing a subordinate to manipulate polling results to favor Yoon in the nomination race. This recording, if authenticated, could have serious implications for the integrity of the political process.
Moreover, Myung faces legal scrutiny for allegedly receiving significant sums in bribes from an aide to a former ruling party lawmaker, further en
tangling him in controversy. He has suggested that his incarceration could lead to political upheaval, a statement that underscores the gravity of the ongoing investigations.
The first lady’s request for Myung to interview candidates at the presidential transition team’s office post-election, despite presidential denials, adds another layer to the scandal. The evolving narrative around these events continues to fuel public and media speculation regarding the extent of political interference and the potential consequences for the Yoon administration.