청, 연일 'Kim Jeong-suk Clothes Cost' Explanation..."Brooch Not 200 Million Won"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House has taken steps to quell the controversy surrounding First Lady Kim Jung-sook's clothing expenses. Following an official briefing the previous day stating that the items were purchased with personal funds, Tak Hyun-min, the Blue House Protocol Secretary, also appeared on a radio program to clarify the issue.

On the morning of the 30th, Secretary Tak appeared on TBS Radio's "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory" and responded to the host's question about whether the brooch worn by the First Lady was a luxury item worth around 200 million won by saying, "Absolutely not. It doesn't even look similar, and it is actually a different product.

He explained that during the visit to India, the First Lady wore a brooch of a similar design out of consideration for Indians who have a strong interest in tigers. Secretary Tak said, "India is a country that has a great affection for Bengal tigers and issues related to tigers," adding, "We tried to find the most tiger-like design and brought that."

On the same day, Secretary Tak also appeared on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" and responded to a question about whether special activity funds were used to purchase the First Lady's clothing by saying, "Not a single won was used."

He stated, "The president personally covers the cost of dog food for the dog raised at the official residence, so the very idea that the clothing expenses (of the First Lady) were covered with special activity funds is quite surprising."

Secretary Tak also defended the First Lady against the 'clothing expense controversy' via social networking services (SNS) the previous day, saying, "You should not open someone else's wardrobe without permission. This is common sense and morality," and added, "Only the First Lady's clothes are inside her wardrobe."

The Blue House, in an official briefing the previous day, stated that the First Lady's clothing expenses were covered with personal funds, not special activity funds. However, they also stated that since the items were purchased with personal funds, they would not disclose the details.