South Korean President Addresses First Lady Controversies Amid Popularity Decline

Amid growing controversies involving First Lady Kim Keon Hee, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol publicly apologized, addressing allegations of misconduct and a drop in his popularity while resisting calls for a formal investigation.

In a televised address, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed regret over the controversies surrounding his wife, Kim Keon Hee, which included claims of accepting a luxury $2,200 Dior handbag and allegations related to stock manipulation. He acknowledged that while his wife's conduct could have been better, the way she has been portrayed was excessively "demonized", claiming that many of the accusations were "exaggerated".

In response to these controversies, Yoon announced the establishment of an office to oversee the first lady's official duties but dismissed requests for a comprehensive investigation into her activities. The apology comes as Yoon strives to regain his popularity, which has suffered due to the controversies surrounding Kim.

In late 2023, a left-leaning YouTube channel named Voice of Seoul released footage allegedly depicting Kim receiving the expensive handbag from a pastor, whose concealed camera captured the interaction in September 2022. At that time, Yoon rejected calls for an apology and described the leaked footage as a "political manoeuvre".

The situation has drawn sharp criticism from South Korea's Democratic Party, which labeled the president's response as "shameless". Insiders within Yoon's party have also voiced dissatisfaction, with some comparing Kim to Marie Antoinette, known for her flamboyant lifestyle. Additionally, the opposition has consistently accused the first lady of involvement in stock price manipulation, leading Yoon to veto earlier attempts to investigate these claims.