Kim Geon-hee testified in court that she received a Roger Vivier bag from the spouse of Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the National Assembly. However, she stated that she learned of this fact only later and did not know how she received it. In response to questions from the special prosecutor's team, she asserted, "Do not imply any crime."
On August 10, Kim Geon-hee appeared as a witness in the case against Kim Ki-hyun and his spouse, Lee Mo, who are accused of violating the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Act, at the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22, presided over by Judge Jo Hyung-woo.
She was originally scheduled to appear on July 13 but refused, citing her intention to exercise her right to refuse testimony. The court subsequently imposed a fine of 3 million won and warned of a warrant for her appearance.
Ultimately, Kim Geon-hee attended court wearing a black suit and a mask. She attempted to invoke her right to refuse testimony again, but it was unsuccessful. She questioned, "Am I going to be fined for refusing to testify? Should I just imagine things? I have no direct memory of this at all."
The court determined that since Kim Geon-hee received the gift while being the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, there are no regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act that penalize public officials' spouses for receiving gifts related to their duties. Therefore, the court concluded that she could not exercise her right to refuse testimony without facing adverse legal consequences.
The special prosecutor pressed Kim Geon-hee on the circumstances under which she received the clutch bag from Lee. When asked if she was aware of receiving the Roger Vivier clutch bag, she replied, "I didn't know at first, but I learned later. It seems it came indirectly rather than directly from the spouse of Kim Ki-hyun."
She added, "As a first lady, a clutch bag is essential. If I had seen it, I would have used it, but I didn't. I also have no memory of a letter from Lee or a Post-it note that said 'Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party.'"
When the special prosecutor repeated the question about who delivered the bag, asking if it was through former presidential office staff or a third party, Kim Geon-hee responded, "This is the tenth time I've heard the same question. I don't know who delivered it because there was no second office. This line of questioning only seems to expand my alleged crimes. Do not imply any crime."
As Kim Geon-hee continued to protest that the special prosecutor's questions were coercive and unreasonable, the court advised, "The witness did not attend the previous session. We should all understand and act according to our respective positions, so please refrain from trivial matters."
During cross-examination, questions continued regarding the Roger Vivier clutch bag, the accompanying letter, and the Post-it note. Kim Geon-hee stated, "I receive dozens or hundreds of letters containing complaints, appeals, and thanks. I have done nothing, yet the 'Julie allegations' and my demonization have become tiresome. I do not remember who gave me anything in the past."
On August 10, Kim Geon-hee appeared as a witness in the case against Kim Ki-hyun and his spouse, Lee Mo, who are accused of violating the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Act, at the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22, presided over by Judge Jo Hyung-woo.
She was originally scheduled to appear on July 13 but refused, citing her intention to exercise her right to refuse testimony. The court subsequently imposed a fine of 3 million won and warned of a warrant for her appearance.
Ultimately, Kim Geon-hee attended court wearing a black suit and a mask. She attempted to invoke her right to refuse testimony again, but it was unsuccessful. She questioned, "Am I going to be fined for refusing to testify? Should I just imagine things? I have no direct memory of this at all."
The court determined that since Kim Geon-hee received the gift while being the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, there are no regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act that penalize public officials' spouses for receiving gifts related to their duties. Therefore, the court concluded that she could not exercise her right to refuse testimony without facing adverse legal consequences.
The special prosecutor pressed Kim Geon-hee on the circumstances under which she received the clutch bag from Lee. When asked if she was aware of receiving the Roger Vivier clutch bag, she replied, "I didn't know at first, but I learned later. It seems it came indirectly rather than directly from the spouse of Kim Ki-hyun."
She added, "As a first lady, a clutch bag is essential. If I had seen it, I would have used it, but I didn't. I also have no memory of a letter from Lee or a Post-it note that said 'Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party.'"
When the special prosecutor repeated the question about who delivered the bag, asking if it was through former presidential office staff or a third party, Kim Geon-hee responded, "This is the tenth time I've heard the same question. I don't know who delivered it because there was no second office. This line of questioning only seems to expand my alleged crimes. Do not imply any crime."
As Kim Geon-hee continued to protest that the special prosecutor's questions were coercive and unreasonable, the court advised, "The witness did not attend the previous session. We should all understand and act according to our respective positions, so please refrain from trivial matters."
During cross-examination, questions continued regarding the Roger Vivier clutch bag, the accompanying letter, and the Post-it note. Kim Geon-hee stated, "I receive dozens or hundreds of letters containing complaints, appeals, and thanks. I have done nothing, yet the 'Julie allegations' and my demonization have become tiresome. I do not remember who gave me anything in the past."
Meanwhile, Kim Ki-hyun and Lee are on trial for allegedly providing Kim Geon-hee with a Roger Vivier clutch bag worth 2.6 million won in exchange for Kim Ki-hyun's election as party leader in March 2023. The special prosecutor suspects that Lee provided the luxury bag as a reward for Kim Ki-hyun's election, with the payment deducted from Kim Ki-hyun's salary account.
During a previous court session, Kim Ki-hyun's side acknowledged that the bag was provided but claimed there was no improper solicitation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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