Ex-first lady acknowledges receiving luxury bag from PPP lawmaker's wife

Former first lady Kim Keon Hee acknowledged receiving a luxury clutch bag from the wife of a politician in 2023, though she did not recall receiving it in person. This admission came during the trial of People Power Party Representative Kim Gi-hyeon and his wife, accused of gifting the bag to the former first lady in exchange for her support of Kim's husband's election as party chairman in March 2023.

Kim stated she only realized later that the bag was not delivered directly to her. She explained that clutch bags are considered "essential items" for first ladies and that she had purchased many fake designer bags to match her outfits. When questioned if she recognized the Roger Vivier bag among her collection, she admitted thinking so, but was unsure as the bag was on the wife's letter with the gift.

Both Kim and the lawmaker are facing charges of violating anti-corruption laws for their alleged actions.