"Yoon and Kim Keonhee Entered Empress Myeongseong's Bedroom Alone"... Criticism of 'Misappropriation of National Treasures'

Yoon and Kim Keonhee made an unannounced visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace in 2023
Spent 10 minutes alone in the "Empress Myeongseong's bedroom"
"Misappropriation of national treasures... A thorough investigation is needed"

It has been confirmed that Kim Keonhee, who was reported to have sat on the Geunjeongjeon royal throne-known as the "King's Chair"-during her 2023 visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, also entered "Gonnyeonghap," the bedroom and assassination site of Empress Myeongseong, together with former President Yoon Sukyeol. This has sparked criticism of "national treasure abuse."

Visited the restricted living quarters of King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong, ordered staff to "open the door"

Former President Yoon Sukyeol and his wife Kim Keonhee. Presidential Office

According to data submitted by the Cultural, Sports and Tourism Committee Chair Kim Gyouheung of the Democratic Party of Korea, which was provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration on the 23rd, former President Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Keonhee visited Gyeongbokgung Palace around 5 p.m. on March 5, 2023, at the end of regular visiting hours, without prior notice. It was found that only one security officer accompanied them during the visit.

The former president and his wife reportedly visited Geunjeongjeon at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the second floor of Gyeonghoeru, Hyangwonjeong, and Geoncheonggung-areas that are off-limits to the general public. Among these, Geoncheonggung served as the living quarters for King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong. Located in the innermost part of Gyeongbokgung, its interior is usually off-limits except for special tours. However, it was revealed that the former president and his wife, upon arriving at Geoncheonggung, instructed staff to "open the (closed) door."

Subsequently, the couple entered Gonnyeonghap, the private chamber used by Empress Myeongseong, and stayed there for about 10 minutes. According to Assemblyman Kim Gyouheung’s office, testimony was obtained that the couple toured the interior alone, without even the accompanying security officer present.

"An act of national treasure abuse that goes beyond privatization of national heritage"

Photo of First Lady Kim Keonhee, who appears to have visited Gyeonghoeru in private. YouTube channel 'Jujija Live'

In addition, it was confirmed that the former president and his wife visited royal palaces and tombs a total of 11 times during the 2022-2025 presidential term, including official state events. In September 2023, Kim Keonhee visited Geunjeongjeon at Gyeongbokgung Palace with former National Education Commission Chair Lee Baeyong and others, where she sat on the royal throne. In September 2024, she held a tea gathering at Mangmyoru in Jongmyo Shrine and toured the sacred chamber where the ancestral tablets of the Joseon royal family are enshrined.

Assemblyman Kim stated, "Kim Keonhee, who sat on the 'King's Chair,' also entered the Empress's bedroom. This is an act of national treasure abuse that goes beyond the privatization of national heritage," adding, "A special investigation must thoroughly examine whether any national heritage was damaged and what took place inside, leaving no room for suspicion."