South Korea is in the midst of its most turbulent political crisis in decades, triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol's sudden declaration of martial law. The move, which sent shockwaves across the country, was quickly called off after just hours, but its political fallout has been far-reaching, with calls for his impeachment intensifying.
However, the president's problems run deeper: long before the martial law debate and his tough stance on North Korea, his wife, Kim Keon Hee, had already found herself at the heart of a scandal involving a handbag luxury Dior - a controversy that only added fuel to the fire.
A Dior Lady Pouch by Yeol's wife, Kim Keon Hee, turned the tide of criticism against the president even before he could mention the name 'North Korea'.
Kim Keon Hee's 'Lady Dior Pouch' Scandal
Known for her high-profile lifestyle and outspoken advocacy of cultural issues, Kim Keon Hee has found herself at the center of controversy after being accused of accepting a $2,200 Lady Dior Pouch from a Korean-American pastor in the year 2022.
The incident, which was caught on a hidden camera, sparked outrage across the country, with critics accusing the South Korean President's wife, Kim Keon Hee, of using her position for personal gain.
The scandal, dubbed the "Dior Bag Scandal," put Kim Keon Hee in the spotlight.
Controversy has only intensified in the months following the release of the video.
The Voice of Seoul, a left-leaning YouTube channel, released the footage, claiming it was part of a wider effort to expose Kim Keon Hee's alleged abuse of her position.
The first lady has not publicly commented on the allegations, but her husband, President Yoon, has defended her, arguing that the release of the video was politically motivated ahead of the April election.
