Explainer | Who is South Korean first lady Kim Keon-hee? From Dior bag scandal to martial law fallout

Her husband, President Yoon Suk-yeol, has been accused of using martial law to protect her from investigations, further fuelling public discontent

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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (left), alongside his wife, Kim Keon-hee, arrives at London Stansted Airport, in November 2023, for a four-day state visit to Britain. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 12:00pm, 12 Dec 2024Updated: 12:32pm, 12 Dec 2024

Kim Keon-hee, South Korea’s first lady, has become a lightning rod for controversy amid the chaos caused by her husband’s failed attempt to impose martial law last week, with scandals tied to her wealth and influence seen as a major factor in his political misfortunes.

There has also been widespread speculation that Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law to protect Kim from investigations by the political opposition

However, the controversies surrounding Kim started long before her husband’s shocking decree on December 3.

A contentious figure

Before becoming the first lady, Kim was a businesswoman, heading an art event-planning company. She married Yoon in 2012, and while they have no children, they frequently share photos of their pet dogs and cats online.

An advocate for animal rights, Kim has worked to end dog meat consumption in South Korea. She has also been admired for her fashion choices and for breaking the mould of previous first ladies, who typically maintained low profiles.

However, Kim emerged as a contentious figure as early as Yoon’s campaign trail.

In 2021, the first lady apologised for exaggerating her academic credentials when applying for a professorship after the education ministry found she had falsely claimed to hold a master’s degree in business administration from the prestigious Seoul National University.