Swimming Lessons and Corporate Luncheon Allegations
All Charges Dismissed
The prosecution has dismissed charges against Kim Jung-sook, the wife of former President Moon Jae-in, who was accused of allegations such as a "luxury trip to the Taj Mahal in India" and "personal possession of a Chanel jacket worn during a visit to France."
On the 7th, the Criminal Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Jo Ara) announced that Kim was not indicted on charges including abuse of authority and violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (loss to the national treasury) after being reported.
The prosecution stated, "In a case where criminal complaints were filed due to social controversy over the activities of the spouse of a former president, after investigating numerous related parties and securing materials to clarify the facts and reviewing the legality, the accused was dismissed due to lack of charges."
Kim was accused of illegally using 400 million won in contingency funds for essentially travel purposes by visiting the Taj Mahal in November 2018 after requesting an invitation herself despite no invitation from the Indian government. A prosecution official said, "The Taj Mahal visit was first proposed by the Indian side and was conducted as an official schedule following meetings with Prime Minister Modi, a luncheon with the Indian first lady, and guidance from state government officials," adding, "It cannot be considered an abuse of authority or loss to the national treasury as it was not a simple luxury trip." Considering the size of the delegation and the operating costs of Air Force Two, the contingency funds were allocated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the competent ministry, and the process complied with related procedures such as review by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, resolution by the Cabinet, and approval by the president.
Regarding the allegations related to the Chanel jacket, the prosecution's investigation confirmed that during the 2018 state visit to France, the jacket was temporarily loaned free of charge by Chanel on the day it was worn and was returned to Chanel afterward. There was no evidence that Kim personally owned the jacket or that the Blue House's special activity funds were spent during the wearing process.
Additionally, allegations concerning swimming lessons for Kim's Blue House security guards and hosting luncheons with corporate CEOs were also dismissed.
The prosecution began investigating Kim's India trip and luxury jacket allegations in June last year following a report and investigation request by Lee Jong-bae, a member of the Seoul City Council from the People Power Party. After reviewing the legality through written investigations and multiple related party interviews in January, the prosecution dismissed the charges against Kim.
However, it is known that the prosecution will continue investigating overlapping police investigations regarding the use of special activity funds related to Kim's clothing expenses.
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