World
December 17, 2024 16:30
seoul - The scandal involving a Dior handbag leads to the downfall of South Korean President Yoon and raises questions about the conduct of First Lady Kim.
Corruption, lies, and plagiarism. The South Korean First Lady has been accused of various scandals for years, often escaping consequences. Two years ago, a scandal involving a Dior handbag brought even more attention. Kim was accused of accepting a bribe in the form of the handbag from a Korean-American pastor.
The outrage sparked when a viral video showed the pastor purchasing the Dior handbag worth 3 million won (approximately 1988 euros) and offering it to Kim. Although it was not clear if Kim accepted the bag, reports emerged that the presidential office stored the bag as 'government property'.
Rumors surrounding Kim, including her past as a nightclub hostess, plagiarism in her master's thesis, and stock manipulation, have circulated since her marriage to Yoon in 2012. As the 2022 presidential elections neared, Kim faced backlash for falsifying her CV. Yoon, in defense of his wife, faced criticism for being overly protective.
Analysts point out that Kim's behavior deviates from the traditional expectations of a First Lady, leading to public scrutiny. Yoon's failure to address the controversies surrounding his wife's conduct has raised concerns among conservatives in the country. Yoon's protective stance towards Kim has been viewed negatively by the public.
Considered a 'ticking time bomb' by analysts, Kim's controversies aimed to undermine Yoon's presidency. Despite the dropped charges, the opposition pushed for a special investigation into the First Lady's scandals, which was blocked by Yoon's presidential veto.
Yoon's unexpected declaration and retraction of a state of emergency aimed to outmaneuver the opposition but backfired, leading to a parliamentary vote for his impeachment. The Constitutional Court will review the parliament's decision.
Speculation arises in South Korea: did the suspended president declare a state of emergency to protect his wife? Yoon's dilemma between presidency and his wife remains a topic of debate. The fate of the First Lady now lies with Acting President Han Duck-soo to address the proposed investigation into the scandals.