A $1,760 Luxury Bag Leads to Indictment: Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon and Wife Charged Over Gift to Ex-First Lady
Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon and his wife were indicted on Dec 27, 2025, for giving a $1,760 luxury bag to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee. The special counsel cites the gift as a potential bribe.
They called it "social courtesy," but the special counsel calls it a crime. On Dec. 27, 2025, a special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki indicted Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) and his wife for allegedly giving a luxury gift to former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
The Roger Vivier Clutch and the Paper Trail
According to Yonhap News, the indictment focuses on a Roger Vivier clutch bag worth 2.6 million won ($1,760). The gift was reportedly delivered in March 2023, shortly after Kim was elected PPP chairperson. Investigators haven't just relied on rumors; the bag and a handwritten thank-you note from Kim's wife were discovered during a raid at the former first lady's home last month.
Bribery Allegations vs. Social Courtesy
Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon hasn't denied giving the bag but firmly rejects any bribery allegations. He maintains it was a simple gesture of courtesy, not a bid for political favors. However, the timing—coinciding with his rise to party leadership—has led the special counsel to pursue formal charges. This case is part of a broader investigation into various allegations involving Kim Keon Hee and high-ranking officials.
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