First Lady pays final installment for luxury watch amid bribery trial

South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee has reportedly paid approximately 29 million won (about $21,000) as the final installment for a Vacheron Constantin watch. This payment is connected to allegations of bribery involving Seo Seong-bin, CEO of Drone Dome, a company involved in robot dog projects.

Kim and Seo have maintained that the watch was a purchase made through Seo's proxy buying service, not a bribe offered in exchange for favors related to Seo's business. However, prosecutors allege that Kim received the watch, valued at 39.9 million won, in September 2022, in exchange for supporting Seo's business ventures. Seo is also facing charges related to the gifting of the watch.

The payment was reportedly made recently, and the transaction details were submitted to the Seoul Central District Court on May 12. Kim's legal team explained the delay, stating that they were unable to meet Seo during the investigation and trial. They added that the payment was made after the witness examination concluded, to avoid any misunderstandings, and attributed the delay to Kim's "forgetfulness" due to various personal issues, including mental health concerns.

This Vacheron Constantin watch is not the only luxury item Kim is accused of receiving improperly. She is also facing charges for allegedly accepting jewelry worth 103.8 million won from Lee Bong-kwan, chairman of Seohae Construction, in exchange for favors related to her son-in-law's appointment. Additionally, she is accused of receiving a Dior bag worth 5.4 million won from Pastor Choi Jae-young and a turtle-shaped ornament and painting worth 2.65 million won from former National Education Committee Chairperson Lee Bae-yong, as well as a painting worth 140 million won from former prosecutor Kim Sang-min, all allegedly in exchange for political favors.

Kim Keon-hee's first-instance sentencing for these charges is scheduled for June 26. Prosecutors have requested a prison sentence of seven years and six months.

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The payment was made after the witness examination concluded, to avoid any misunderstandings, and was a result of forgetting due to various issues including mental health.