Luxury Necklace Found at Mother-in-Law’s Residence Sparks Controversy
Democratic Party Demands Transparency Amid Jewelry Reporting Questions
A high-value luxury necklace, reportedly worn by the wife of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, has been discovered at her mother-in-law’s home, igniting a political firestorm. The Democratic Party has voiced strong criticism, demanding answers about the item’s non-disclosure.
Scrutiny Over Undisclosed Assets
The controversy centers on a necklace valued at 60 million won, believed to be from the luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels. Reports indicate the jewelry was found during an investigation at the residence of Kim Kun-hee‘s mother-in-law. This discovery has raised questions about potential violations of public property reporting laws.
Legal Obligations and Public Trust
Under the Public Election Act, jewelry exceeding 5 million won must be reported. The absence of this particular necklace from former President Yoon’s official property declarations has fueled allegations of a cover-up. Previously, during President Yoon’s inauguration events in May 2022, Kim Kun-hee was observed wearing expensive luxury jewelry.
At the time, the presidential office stated that some borrowed items were worn, but Kim Kun-hee has reportedly provided her own clarification to prosecutors regarding the ownership and disclosure of the jewelry.
Political Fallout Intensifies
The Democratic Party has accused the administration and the prosecution of attempting to hide the truth and obstruct investigations. A spokesperson for the party stated, We are already suspected of hiding the authenticity and interfering with the investigation.
They added, The people want to know the truth of Kim Gun-hee‘s crime and the truth of the national farming, which the Yoon Seok-yeol regime and the political prosecution have been hidden systematically.
The scrutiny on undisclosed assets reflects a broader concern about transparency in public office. For instance, in South Korea, the average reported income for public officials in 2023 was approximately 75 million won, highlighting the significance of accurate asset declarations.
