"Roger Vivier Clutch" Kim Keon-hee: "As the First Lady, a clutch bag is essential... They are trying to brand me as a criminal no matter what"

[Financial News] Kim Keon-hee, who received a Roger Vivier clutch bag from People Power Party lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon, appeared in court as a witness and testified.
The 22nd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Cho Hyung-woo, held a hearing on the 10th for Kim and his spouse, Lee, who are accused of violating the anti-graft law.
Earlier that day, Kim's side said she would not attend, citing health problems and warning that she would refuse to testify. The court, however, had already informed her in advance that she could not invoke the right to refuse testimony.
At the time she received the bag, Kim was the First Lady of South Korea as the spouse of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act does not contain a provision punishing the receipt of money or valuables by a public official's spouse. As a result, even if Kim testified, it would not lead to criminal punishment, and there was no basis for her to refuse to testify.
When Kim argued, "Should I talk about things I don't know by letting my imagination run wild?" the court replied, "If you don't remember, just say you don't remember." Kim then stressed, "This was not something I did directly, so I barely remember it," adding, "I understand, but logically, I don't think it makes sense."
During questioning, Kim acknowledged receiving the clutch bag but argued that she only learned of the gift later.
"It came to me indirectly from somewhere, and that's just my personality, I don't ask much," Kim said. "I think being honest would help, but I don't really remember." She added, "I didn't receive it directly from Lee, so I couldn't remember clearly."
Kim also said, "Whenever you go somewhere, there is a dress code, like a dress and a handbag," adding, "A handbag is always necessary."
However, she said, "I didn't use it," and added, "The special prosecutor team's questions were coercive and unusual, and I don't understand why they are trying to frame me as a criminal no matter what."
She also said, "During the investigation, I honestly said I couldn't remember," adding, "No matter how much of a criminal I may be, I am not the type to lie."
When Kim Gi-hyeon's lawyer asked whether she thought the bag was related to the party leader election, Kim replied, "The party leader is not something I need to worry about, and I know nothing about it at all," stressing, "That is an attempt to frame Kim Gi-hyeon."
[email protected] Jung Kyung-soo Reporter