Kim Keon-hee Testifies as Witness in 'Luxury Bag' Trial of Kim Han-pyo

South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee appeared as a witness in a trial involving a ruling party politician accused of gifting her a luxury handbag. Kim testified that she received the bag but was unaware of its source, responding to questions about the alleged bribe. The trial centers on allegations that Kim Han-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, and his wife presented the approximately $2,670 bag to Kim Keon-hee.

During her court appearance, Kim expressed frustration when the judge did not initially recognize her right to refuse testimony. "Do I have to speculate and speak about things I don't know?" she reportedly asked, pushing back against the court's insistence. The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22 was hearing the third trial for Kim Han-pyo and his wife regarding accusations of violating the Improper Gifts and Solicitation Prohibition Act.

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Do I have to speculate and speak about things I don't know?

Kim Keon-hee attended the hearing dressed in a black suit and mask. Her legal team had previously stated she would not attend due to health reasons and her intention to exercise her right to refuse testimony. However, the court informed her that she could not invoke this right concerning the receipt of the gift itself. As the then-first lady, Kim Keon-hee's receipt of the gift does not fall under provisions of the Improper Gifts Act that penalize public officials' spouses for receiving gifts related to their duties, meaning her testimony about receiving it is unlikely to lead to her own criminal charges.

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I received the bag, but I don't know its origin.