“No Budget Earmarked for the First Lady”—Minister Choi Hwi-young Rebuts Allegations That Events for First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Were Hastily Arranged [2026 Parliamentary Audit]

[Financial News] Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young denied allegations that overseas cultural events had been hastily arranged for First Lady Kim Hye-kyung to attend. He argued that overseas cultural events are part of the MCST’s core remit and said, “Don’t belittle them as events for First Lady Kim.”
At a comprehensive audit by the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee held at the National Assembly on the 23rd, Minister Choi rebutted allegations raised by People Power Party lawmaker Kim Seung-soo, saying that the MCST does not host events for First Lady Kim.
He explained that the events were organized to coincide with the president’s overseas visits, citing growing interest in K-culture around the world. He said it was “natural” for First Lady Kim, who accompanied the president on the trip, to attend the events.
In response to claims that some events had been arranged in haste through sole-source contracts, he said, “Given the nature of presidential overseas visits, there are aspects that make it difficult to plan (events) in advance.” He said the events were held after the MCST urgently awarded sole-source contracts using its budget, and stated that it was difficult to accept criticism that they had been hastily arranged.
People Power Party lawmaker Kim Seok-ki said that 1.411 billion won in MCST funds had been spent on nine overseas cultural events attended by First Lady Kim without the president, and compared the amount with event budgets for the spouses of presidents under previous administrations.
Minister Choi said that growing overseas interest in K-culture has led to larger events than before, and argued that they should not be classified as events for the First Lady solely because she attended. He added, “Our staff are working incredibly hard to prepare these events.”
After reports said that MCST funding for cultural events attended by First Lady Kim alone had increased compared with previous administrations, the Blue House also issued an explanation the previous day.
The Blue House said, “The MCST does not have a separate budget for the First Lady,” explaining that First Lady Kim had attended cultural events hosted by the MCST. It added that the MCST plans overseas events in consultation with the countries concerned, working with local diplomatic missions and others, and that First Lady Kim attended when her overseas schedule allowed.


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