[단독] 김건희, 외교행사 때 홍보 대가로 패션업체서 ‘디올 의류’ 받았다

On April 20, 2023, the Special Prosecution Team confirmed that Kim Geun-hye received 500,000 won worth of Chanel clothing from a fashion company representative named Mr. K. The investigation reveals that Kim received the clothing for promotion at various diplomatic events. She first met Mr. K through a mutual acquaintance, Yoon Jung, who was introduced to her by former President Yun Seok-yeol's aide during the early days of the Yun government.

Yoon Jung, who worked for Kim's exhibition planning company, was involved in a high-profile exchange at the time, including receiving a Chanel handbag from the former head of the World Unity Church, Seong-bae Choi.

Kim reportedly visited Mr. K's company office and received the Chanel products. She then sent the products to the acquaintances she met at diplomatic events and sent photographs of herself receiving the items back to Mr. K, along with messages of gratitude. During her visit to the United Kingdom in November 2023, Kim presented Mr. K's products to the British Crown Princess, Princess Anne, and Princess Kate Middleton, and shared photos of the exchange. Mr. K responded with a message thanking Kim for her time and expressing his belief in the moment.

Additionally, Kim sent messages to Mr. K after her visit to France, requesting that he send a gift from Arnona, the owner of Louis Vuitton, to him. It is suspected that Mr. K asked the special inquiry team to provide cash in exchange for the Chanel products, as his statement to the team mentioned wanting to exchange the items for cash upon the team's inquiry.

The special prosecution team suspects that Mr. K's actions were an attempt to make the special inquiry appear as a legitimate transaction by deceiving Mr. K. Throughout the investigation, the team focused on Mr. K's connection to the government, particularly his involvement in the construction project in Seoul's Jung-gu during the Yun government's term. They seized Mr. K's residence and company office as part of the investigation.