The First Lady Who Ruled by Image Faces the Photo Line [Reporter’s Notebook]

Unable to choose angle, lighting, background, or composition
A moment dictated by the special prosecutor’s staging
What matters is not the language of images, but uncovering the substantive truth

On August 6, at approximately 10:11 a.m., Kim Gunhee stood at the photo line in front of the Special Prosecutor’s Office in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul. She stated, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the people." However, she did not answer reporters’ questions such as "Why did you accept the necklace?" and "Were you aware of the stock manipulation?"

Camera flashes erupted as a crowd of reporters swarmed around her. Even her silence, breathing, and subtle facial movements were captured by the cameras. A photographer shouted, "Please turn this way." This was an ironic moment in which a figure who had exercised power through images was now being judged by images, marking the first-ever summoning of a former First Lady in the country’s constitutional history.

Kim Gunhee entered the political stage through photographs. The official social media accounts of the presidential office were so saturated with photos of Kim that they were criticized as "the First Lady’s Instagram." Her fashion, movements, and appearance attracted more attention than her public statements. Even at diplomatic events, her clothing, makeup, and accessories became topics of discussion. Composition was more important than words, and staged presentation outweighed substance. In this way, she wielded power through images.

A representative example was during her 2022 visit to Cambodia, when Kim was photographed with a child on her lap. Intended to symbolize compassion, the scene was criticized as artificially staged. Accusations of "poverty porn" and "imitating Audrey Hepburn" followed. Rumors circulated that thousands of photos were taken and only those selected by Kim were posted on official accounts. Her image itself became a powerful language.

Today’s photo line was different. She could not choose the angle, lighting, composition, or background. Kim was the subject, appearing as a "suspect" summoned for compulsory investigation. The questions were beyond her control, and the camera shutters clicked randomly. For those in power, an image they cannot choose is a threat.

The scene was orchestrated and staged by the special prosecutor’s team. The image of a former president’s spouse standing before the photo line carries strong symbolism. Presenting the president’s spouse as a suspect lends an air of completeness to the investigation, even without concrete results. The persuasiveness comes from the photograph itself.

However, it is premature to regard this scene as the realization of justice. The Special Prosecutor must prove, with clear evidence, the links connecting Kim Gunhee to multiple allegations, including Sambutogeon and Deutsche Motors stock manipulation, sponsorships from Covana Contents, nomination interference by Myung Taegyun, and bribery involving Geonjinbeopsa. Beyond "Sambutogeon," the prosecution must also clearly identify other charges that would warrant Kim’s detention. Simply appearing at the photo line does not constitute a final verdict or a declaration of guilt. The substantive truth remains undisclosed.

In the end, what will be saturated today is not text or truth, but the scene itself?a "convincing photograph." Whether this scene becomes a moment of justice or remains just another piece of staged imagery will be determined by the fairness and impartiality of the special prosecutor’s investigation. Ultimately, it will be up to the public to judge.