Seoul: A special counsel team announced the indictment of Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) and his wife on charges related to a luxury gift allegedly given to former first lady Kim Keon Hee. The gift, a Roger Vivier clutch bag valued at 2.67 million won (US$1,760), was reportedly given in exchange for election support, shortly after Kim Gi-hyeon assumed the position of PPP chairperson in March 2023.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the indictment without detention alleges that Kim and his wife, Lee, violated the anti-graft law, which prohibits offering money or valuables to the spouse of a public official in connection to the official's duties. However, the special counsel team was unable to establish bribery charges against former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, citing time constraints and insufficient cooperation from involved parties.

The team decided to refer the case to the police for further investigation into potential bribery allegations concerning the former first couple. They described the situation as a high-level corruption case, suggesting that a ruling party leader provided a luxury item to the president's wife to secure leadership, which aligns with historical suspicions of presidential interference in party elections.

The special counsel emphasized the gravity of the situation, citing it as a serious crime that threatens party democracy by violating the president's political neutrality and blurring the lines between party and government. During a raid last month, the clutch bag and a thank-you note from Lee were discovered at the former first lady's residence.

Kim has admitted to giving the gift but refuted bribery claims, stating it was a social courtesy. Meanwhile, Lee reportedly informed the special counsel that her husband was unaware of the gift.