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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

First Lady Denies 'Jully' Alias Allegations in Court Testimony

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • First Lady Kim Keon-hee testified in court regarding allegations that she used the alias 'Jully' while working at a hostess bar.
  • Kim vehemently denied the accusations, stating she never used the name 'Jully' and that her English name was 'Jenny'.
  • She also refuted claims of working at a hostess bar in the late 1990s, explaining she was studying for teaching certifications at the time.

South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee appeared in court today to address persistent allegations surrounding her past, specifically the claim that she used the alias 'Jully' during her time working at a hostess bar. Appearing as a witness in a defamation case, Mrs. Kim firmly denied these accusations, asserting that the name 'Jully' was never part of her professional or personal life.

I have never used the alias Jully, not even once.

· Kim Keon-heeFirst Lady's testimony in court denying allegations of using the alias 'Jully'.

During her testimony, Mrs. Kim was unequivocal. When questioned about using the alias 'Jully,' she responded with a clear "never, not even once." She further elaborated that any English name she used was 'Jenny,' and that the syllable 'Ju' from 'Jully' was never employed in any context related to her. This direct refutation aims to put an end to what she described as baseless rumors that have caused her significant distress.

Was there anyone who heard me being called Jully?

· Kim Keon-heeFirst Lady questioning the basis of the 'Jully' allegations during her court testimony.

The allegations, which surfaced during the previous presidential election, suggest that Mrs. Kim worked at a hostess bar under the alias 'Jully' in the late 1990s. Mrs. Kim countered this by explaining that during that period, she was intensely focused on her studies, pursuing teaching certifications at Sookmyung Women's University. She emphasized that her schedule was packed with academic pursuits, leaving no time for such activities and that her student status made frequenting hotels inappropriate.

The Jully allegations are nonsensical.

· Kim Keon-heeFirst Lady refuting claims of working at a hostess bar in the late 1990s.

Mrs. Kim's testimony also touched upon her relationship with President Yoon Suk-yeol, describing how she played a role in introducing him to others, referencing a "Project to Get Yoon Suk-yeol Married." She expressed her deep hurt over the persistent rumors, stating that she began taking psychiatric medication due to the shock and distress caused by the 'Jully' allegations. She concluded by stating her desire for the defendants to be punished if they do not show genuine remorse.

I started taking psychiatric medication because I was so shocked and distressed by the talk of Jully.

· Kim Keon-heeFirst Lady expressing the emotional toll of the allegations during her court testimony.
About this summary

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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