Seoul: Former first lady Kim Keon Hee acknowledged on Monday that she had received a luxury clutch bag from the wife of a lawmaker in 2023, though not directly in person.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim made this admission during the trial involving main opposition People Power Party Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon and his wife, surnamed Lee. They are accused of gifting a Roger Vivier clutch bag to Kim in exchange for her support of the lawmaker's bid for party chairman in March 2023. During the proceedings at the Seoul Central District Court, Kim stated, "I didn't know at first but realized later on," when questioned by special counsel Min Joong-ki's team about the bag.

Kim mentioned that the bag was delivered indirectly, and she did not inquire about its origin. She explained, "It's not in my character to ask where it came from, so I don't know." Kim, who is the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, has been in custody since August last year, facing charges of bribery, stock price manipulation, and influence peddling following Yoon's 2024 martial law bid.

During the trial, Kim argued that clutch bags are essential items for first ladies and confessed to purchasing many fake designer bags to match her outfits. When asked if she identified the Roger Vivier bag among them, she responded, "I think so." However, she claimed no recollection of a letter from the wife that reportedly accompanied the bag.

Rep. Kim and his wife face charges of violating anti-graft laws by gifting the bag for purposes related to the president's official duties.