Secretary suspected of exchanging received bag for a premium
First Lady's side: "She never received it"
Prosecutors expand investigation into possible quid pro quo
In connection with allegations that First Lady Kim Keonhee received luxury goods, prosecutors have expanded their investigation after detecting indications that an expensive Chanel bag, delivered via the shaman Jeon Seongbae (known as 'Geonjin Beopsa'), was handed over to Kim's personal secretary, identified as Yoo.
According to the legal community on May 20, the Virtual Asset Crime Joint Investigation Unit of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Park Geonuk, is investigating whether Yoon, the former global director of the Unification Church, attempted to gift a Chanel bag worth approximately 10 million won to the First Lady through Jeon around 2022, and whether the bag ended up with her secretary, Yoo.
Prosecutors reportedly conducted a search and seizure at Chanel Korea to secure evidence that Yoo exchanged the bag for another Chanel product at a premium, and are tracking the actual flow of the item by cross-checking serial numbers and related records.
Previously, Jeon claimed during the investigation that he had received the bag but later lost it. However, as prosecutors have obtained testimony and material evidence related to Yoo, questions have been raised about the credibility of Jeon's statements.
In response, the First Lady's side has reportedly insisted that she never received the bag in question.
Prosecutors are linking the luxury goods allegations to possible organized lobbying efforts by the Unification Church. They are investigating whether Yoon, through Jeon, provided the First Lady with a Graff diamond necklace worth about 60 million won, a Chanel bag, and health supplements (Cheonsusam concentrate tea) as gifts, and then attempted to seek favors related to ODA projects and other business interests.
In connection with this, on April 30, prosecutors searched the First Lady's residence in Seocho, the office of Covana Contents, and the homes of two personal secretaries. More recently, the investigation has expanded to include the residence of Cho, a former administrator at the Presidential Office's Second Aide Office, as well as the headquarters of luxury brand Chanel Korea.
Prosecutors plan to determine whether these gifts were actually delivered to the First Lady and whether she was aware of any lobbying or quid pro quo. They are also considering whether Jeon might retract his previous statements and whether to request an arrest warrant. The investigation could reach a major turning point depending on whether the First Lady continues to be treated as a reference witness.
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