Kim Keon-hee Acted as De Facto Client for Presidential Residence Renovations, Court Hears

Shocking revelations have emerged from the South Korean judicial system, pointing to First Lady Kim Keon-hee's alleged central role in the controversial renovations of the presidential residence. Testimony presented in court suggests that Kim was not merely a passive observer but the driving force behind significant aspects of the construction, effectively acting as the project's 'client.'

The core of the allegations centers on a specific request made by the First Lady: the installation of a tatami room, notably enclosed by bulletproof windows. This detail, presented by a former employee of the interior firm 21gram, paints a picture of a highly personalized and security-conscious design process, allegedly dictated by Kim herself. The firm, which reportedly secured the contract due to a prior relationship with Kim, is accused of receiving preferential treatment.

Further testimony indicates that design changes, leading to substantial cost increases, were a direct result of the First Lady's dissatisfaction. A former vice minister of land, infrastructure, and transport is on trial for alleged abuse of power related to the contract, and a key witness stated that the 'client' – whom the witness identified as Kim Keon-hee – was unhappy with the initial designs, necessitating costly revisions. This suggests a pattern of the First Lady exerting significant influence over the project's direction.

In contrast, a separate element of the renovation, the installation of a hinoki cypress bath, is reportedly linked to former President Yoon Suk-yeol. According to testimony, this was a direct instruction from Yoon, conveyed through the then-chief of the presidential security service. This distinction highlights the differing levels of influence and the specific roles played by both the First Lady and the former President in the controversial upgrades to the official residence.