Disclosure of Expense Details by Item for India Visit
Approximately 230 Million KRW Spent on Presidential Aircraft
Baek Hyun-jin, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
On the 31st, Bae Hyun-jin, a member of the People Power Party, revealed that it was confirmed that Kim Jung-sook, the wife of former President Moon Jae-in, spent about 230 million won using the 'presidential aircraft' during her visit to India in 2018.
On the same day, Representative Bae disclosed to the media the detailed expenditure breakdown of the private contract signed between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korean Air for Kim's 3-night, 4-day visit to India in November 2018. Bae's office stated that the contract, worth a total of approximately 236.7 million won, "contains the total cost paid by the government to Korean Air at the time for Kim's use of the presidential aircraft."
Among the related expenses, 'fuel costs' accounted for the largest portion at 65.31 million won. 'In-flight meal expenses' followed closely at 62.92 million won. Labor costs for local support staff amounted to 30.13 million won, and travel expenses, airfare, and accommodation for the support staff totaled 29.95 million won. Ground handling fees, which refer to ground support services for aircraft operation, were 23.39 million won, and 'preparation headquarters personnel labor costs' were 12.25 million won.
Additionally, local vehicle and communication expenses amounted to 8.43 million won, room supplies cost 3.82 million won, and in-flight reading materials expenses were 480,000 won.
This controversy resurfaced after former President Moon mentioned in his memoir published on the 19th that Kim's solo visit to India was "(the first solo diplomacy by a presidential spouse)." The ruling party has criticized, saying, "Kim's visit to India was not invited by the Indian government but was first proposed by the Moon Jae-in administration at the time, and it was a 400 million won taxpayer-funded tour." Some within the ruling party have raised their voices calling for the introduction of a special prosecutor to investigate Kim.
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