Kim Keon Hee's Dior bag: Police forward Yoon Suk Yeol to prosecutors for graft law violation

South Korean police have sent former President Yoon Suk Yeol to prosecutors, alleging violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act in connection with First Lady Kim Keon Hee's receipt of a Dior handbag. The special investigation unit handling cases transferred from the anti-corruption investigation office announced on May 19th that Yoon was sent to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office without detention.

The former president is accused of knowing that Kim received a Dior bag worth approximately 3 million won (about $2,200) from Pastor Choi Jae-young in September 2022. He allegedly failed to report this incident to the Board of Audit and Inspection or other relevant authorities. Police determined that Yoon was aware that the First Lady's acceptance of the bag was related to his presidential duties. The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act requires public officials to immediately report in writing to their agency head if they become aware of their spouse receiving gifts exceeding a certain amount in relation to their official duties.

However, the police decided not to charge Yoon with bribery. Their investigation concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove collusion between Yoon and Kim regarding the acceptance of the gift. This decision highlights the legal distinction between knowing about an improper gift and actively participating in a bribery scheme.

First Lady Kim Keon Hee is currently facing trial for allegedly receiving various gifts, including the Dior bag, and for alleged solicitation of favors related to personnel appointments and business interests. She was indicted in December on charges of aggravated punishment for specific economic crimes, specifically bribery facilitation. In April, the special prosecutor requested a sentence of seven years and six months in prison for Kim. The verdict is scheduled to be announced on May 26th at 2 p.m.