In a recent statement, President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea addressed the controversy surrounding the leaked spy camera footage showing his first lady, Kim Keon Hee, accepting a luxury Dior bag as a gift. He described the incident as a “political maneuver” orchestrated by his opponents ahead of the upcoming elections. While acknowledging the act as regrettable, President Yoon stopped short of issuing a formal apology, which disappointed citizens and angered the opposition.
The controversy began when left-wing YouTube channel Voice of Seoul released a video allegedly showing the first lady accepting the 3 million won ($2,200) Dior bag from a pastor who had concealed a camera in his watch. The video came to light just as the general election drew near, causing many to view it as a strategic move to tarnish President Yoon’s reputation and that of his ruling party. President Yoon’s response suggests that he perceives the timing of the video’s release as evidence of a political motive.
Despite not offering a direct apology, President Yoon expressed his regret over the first lady’s inability to cold-heartedly reject the gift. This response, however, fell short of the public’s expectations for a sincere apology. The opposition Democratic Party criticized President Yoon’s “shameless attitude” and emphasized the importance of taking responsibility and apologizing to the people.
The ‘Dior bag scandal’ has had significant implications for President Yoon’s approval ratings and his party’s prospects in the upcoming legislative elections. Some analysts argue that the scandal threatens the conservative People Power Party’s chances of success. Notably, the video’s release coincided with a period of recovering approval ratings for President Yoon, potentially impacting his momentum.
Public sentiment has been divided, with many expressing disappointment and frustration. Users on social media platforms, including X (previously known as Twitter), voiced their discontentment with President Yoon’s response, particularly the absence of a direct apology. Criticisms highlighted the president’s unwillingness to acknowledge fault and questioned the sincerity of any forced apology.
Conservative newspapers, such as Joongang Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo, criticized President Yoon for failing to comment on the appropriateness of the first lady’s actions. These publications highlighted the confirmed receipt of the bag by the presidential office, stating that it is currently being managed as government property.
The ‘Dior bag scandal’ also exacerbates existing tensions within President Yoon’s party. Party leaders have drawn unfavorable comparisons between the first lady and Marie Antoinette due to allegations of her extravagant ways. This controversy is part of a series of issues surrounding Ms. Kim, including accusations of stock price manipulation and concerns over financial benefits received by her family.
A recent Gallup Korea poll showed President Yoon’s approval ratings plummeting to 29%, the lowest in nine months. Respondents cited the ‘Dior bag scandal’ as one of the reasons for their disapproval. The scandal’s impact on public perception underscores the need for President Yoon to address the controversy more effectively and provide a sincere and meaningful apology.
As the ‘Dior bag scandal’ continues to dominate headlines and shape public opinion, it remains to be seen how the upcoming legislative elections will be influenced. The controversy has highlighted issues of transparency, accountability, and the public’s expectations of their leaders. President Yoon and his party face a significant challenge in regaining public trust and redirecting the narrative towards their policy agenda rather than personal controversies.
