Dior bag scandal: South Korea’s ex-first lady is now inmate number 4398, graft trial begins

South Korea on Wednesday opened the criminal trial of Kim Keon-hee, wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol. This is the first time a former first lady has stood trial.

Wearing a mask and identified by her inmate number, 4398, the 53-year-old was escorted from detention to the Seoul Central District Court, where she has been held since August 12.

When asked to confirm her identity, Kim told the court she was “unemployed” and declined the option of a jury trial.

She is the first spouse of a former president to face trial, accused of violating the Capital Markets Act, the Political Funds Act and laws against accepting bribes for mediation.

The case means South Korea now has both a former president and a former first lady simultaneously facing criminal proceedings.

Kim has long faced scrutiny, with lingering questions about her alleged role in stock manipulation.

Public criticism was reignited in 2022 when a left-wing pastor filmed himself presenting her with a Dior handbag, which she appeared to accept.

She is also accused of interfering in the nomination process for MPs in Yoon’s party, a violation of election laws.

Legal experts say the trial could see the former presidential couple summoned together over their alleged role in influencing parliamentary elections.

Her husband Yoon, as president, vetoed three special investigation bills passed by the opposition-controlled parliament that sought to probe the allegations against Kim, with the last veto issued in late November.

A week later, Yoon declared martial law.

With inputs from agencies