SEOUL: South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol finds himself embroiled in controversy, dubbed the ‘Dior Bag Scandal,’ as hidden camera footage surfaces allegedly showing the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, accepting a luxury designer handbag worth $2,200.
The scandal has triggered a decline in Yoon’s approval ratings, already at a low point, and stirred turmoil within his party, just months ahead of crucial April elections aiming to regain a parliamentary majority.
A left-leaning pastor critical of Yoon’s North Korea policy secretly recorded himself presenting the handbag to the first lady, raising concerns about her influence on the administration. The gift potentially violates Korean law restricting public officials and their spouses from accepting gifts exceeding $750. Despite initial silence from the ruling party and the president’s office, the incident gained attention after a party member likened it to Marie Antoinette’s lavish lifestyle.
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Pastor Choi Jae-young, a proponent of better ties with Pyongyang, filmed the encounter due to concerns about the first lady’s influence, claiming he witnessed her involvement in senior appointments. The video, released by a left-wing YouTube channel, triggered public interest and discussions about the ethical implications of the gift.
While some argue the use of secret filming was unfair, criticizing the first lady for accepting an inappropriate gift, the incident has captured public attention more effectively than previous controversies involving Kim. The “Dior Bag Scandal” has impacted Yoon’s approval ratings, potentially affecting the ruling party’s performance in the upcoming elections.
The scandal’s timing and the president’s delayed response have fueled public dissatisfaction, with around 70 percent of people believing Yoon needs to address the issue, according to a recent survey by local broadcaster YTN. Analysts suggest that Yoon’s failure to address the controversy earlier could contribute to a decline in both his and his party’s approval, impacting their electoral prospects.
In South Korean culture, there is a significant emphasis on separating official conduct from personal matters, making it challenging for Yoon to navigate the controversy without addressing it. As the scandal continues to unfold, Yoon’s apology may become crucial for salvaging his party’s chances in the April elections.
