Controversy Over Kim Geon-hee's Accessories... Jeon Hyun-hee: "If Reported, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Can Investigate"

Jeon Hyun-hee, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seoyun] Jeon Hyun-hee, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, stated regarding the controversy over the loan of expensive jewelry by Kim Geon-hee, wife of President Yoon Seok-yeol, "It is not understood as common sense," and added, "If a specific report is received, an investigation can be conducted according to legal procedures."

On the 13th, during the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee audit, Jeon said in response to the request for an investigation by Park Seong-jun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, "The Anti-Corruption Commission does not have the authority to investigate ex officio. Therefore, it does not have the authority to recognize the matter,".

In response to Park's question, "Who would lend expensive jewelry such as a 62 million won necklace, a 25 million won brooch, and a 15 million won bracelet? Is the explanation from the Presidential Office understandable as common sense?" Jeon replied, "It does not seem to be something that can be understood as common sense."

She continued, "It is usually the case to borrow by paying a certain amount of money. Whether it was done that way or borrowed without cost needs to be clarified," and added, "Depending on the specific facts, it may be possible to determine whether there was a violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act."

The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, known as the Kim Young-ran Act, stipulates that even spouses of public officials "shall not receive, request, or promise to receive prohibited money or valuables related to the duties of public officials."

Meanwhile, Chairperson Jeon refuted the allegations raised by members of the People Power Party regarding selective preferential treatment in handling complaints related to a certain university professor's 'Saemangeum Offshore Wind Power' project, stating, "This is a matter on which the Anti-Corruption Commission subcommittee reached a unanimous agreement," and added, "It is not a case of granting preferential treatment."