South Korea’s First Lady Faces Bribery Suspicion Over $340,000 Dior Bag

Kim: “Why are you bringing such an expensive item?”

Pastor Choi: “I don’t think I’ll be able to give you a gift next time.”

Kim: “P-please don’t do this. Really, stop.”

Pastor Choi: “It’s my feeling.”

The reporter who initiated the investigation resigned immediately afterward

In the video, it appears that while Kim seemed confused, she did not refuse to accept the luxury bag.

 

“It seems that the video was recorded by a hidden camera in Pastor Choi’s wristwatch. The reporter who orchestrated the investigation, Reporter A from ‘Voice of Seoul,’ is said to have given the bag to Pastor Choi in advance. After the video was released, Reporter A resigned from ‘Voice of Seoul’ immediately.” (said the source)

 

Even though it was a setup by the reporter, Pastor Choi likely had his own motives. 

 

“Kim and Pastor Choi are both from Yangpyeong in northern South Korea and have a family connection. They also reportedly keep in touch personally. Pastor Choi is said to be dissatisfied with the current administration’s tough stance on North Korea. If the bribery to Kim is true, he might have intended to influence a relaxation of North Korea policy.

 

The South Korean Broadcasting Labor Union criticized ‘Voice of Seoul’s’ investigative methods, stating that they exceeded acceptable limits for disclosing public figures’ interactions. They also expressed concerns that the aim was to tarnish the presidential couple’s reputation through ‘sting operations.’ It might have been intentional to damage Kim’s image.” said a reporter stationed in Seoul for a national newspaper)

 

At the time, the South Korean Presidential Office did not provide a clear response to the incident. The focus is now on how the prosecution, which questioned Kim, will handle the situation.