South Korea: Anti-corruption body demands probe into acquittal of ex-first lady in handbag scandal
Seoul, May 8 : The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission of South Korea decided on Friday to request a police investigation into suspicions surrounding its 2024 decision that then first lady Kim Keon Hee's acceptance of a luxury handbag from a Korean American pastor constituted no violation of the anti-graft law.
Kim's acceptance of a Dior handbag from pastor Choi Jae-young sparked massive criticism and a complaint was filed with the anti-corruption commission that she violated the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. But the agency decided to acquit her, saying there is no related regulation on the spouse of a public servant in the act.
The commission launched a task force in March this year to look into the controversial decision, after a new chief took office following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid, and the election of current President Lee Jae Myung.
The probe found circumstances that then deputy commission chief Chung Seung-yun had an unofficial nighttime meeting at the then official residence of Yoon. Chung was also accused of unfair treatment of a senior commission official in charge of the handbag case. That official later committed suicide.
On Friday, the commission said it decided to refer to the case to police for further investigation.
The task force also overturned the agency's 2024 decision that medical staff involved in transporting then opposition leader Lee Jae Myung from Busan to Seoul by helicopter for treatment following a knife attack breached a code of conduct because the transfer was considered preferential treatment, Yonhap news agency reported.
The agency said it was inappropriate to view the transport decision as a violation of code of conduct, citing additional statements and accounts that medical staff at Pusan National University Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital made the decision within the scope of their authority.
Kim's acceptance of a Dior handbag from pastor Choi Jae-young sparked massive criticism and a complaint was filed with the anti-corruption commission that she violated the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. But the agency decided to acquit her, saying there is no related regulation on the spouse of a public servant in the act.
The commission launched a task force in March this year to look into the controversial decision, after a new chief took office following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid, and the election of current President Lee Jae Myung.
The probe found circumstances that then deputy commission chief Chung Seung-yun had an unofficial nighttime meeting at the then official residence of Yoon. Chung was also accused of unfair treatment of a senior commission official in charge of the handbag case. That official later committed suicide.
On Friday, the commission said it decided to refer to the case to police for further investigation.
The task force also overturned the agency's 2024 decision that medical staff involved in transporting then opposition leader Lee Jae Myung from Busan to Seoul by helicopter for treatment following a knife attack breached a code of conduct because the transfer was considered preferential treatment, Yonhap news agency reported.
The agency said it was inappropriate to view the transport decision as a violation of code of conduct, citing additional statements and accounts that medical staff at Pusan National University Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital made the decision within the scope of their authority.
