President Yoon to Explain Kim's 'Luxury Bag' Controversy Possibly This Month... Interview Format Likely

Presidential Office: "Final Decision Pending"

It has been reported that President Yoon Suk-yeol is considering directly addressing the controversy surrounding his wife Kim Keon-hee's alleged receipt of luxury handbags as early as this month. The likely format is a New Year's interview with a specific media outlet, where he would outline his plans for national governance while explaining the controversy involving Mrs. Kim.

A presidential office official stated in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 25th, "As the controversy related to Mrs. Kim continues, there is an opinion that the president needs to directly explain the relevant matters and clarify his position to the public," adding, "Various options regarding the timing and method of the statement are being reviewed."

The preferred format for the president to explain matters related to Mrs. Kim is gaining support as a broadcast interview rather than the upcoming New Year's press conference. Since the end of last year, the presidential staff has been considering various options such as a New Year's press conference, meetings, or interviews. Recently, it has been reported that President Yoon has settled on the approach of explaining his plans for national governance and livelihood measures through an interview, while also addressing the controversy surrounding Mrs. Kim.

A presidential office official said, "The position that the luxury handbag controversy involving Mrs. Kim is an intentional 'trap hidden camera' remains unchanged," and added, "We are in the final stages of deciding on the option for the president to make a direct statement."