Ex-South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook Files Defamation Suit Against Lawmaker Over India Trip Allegations

GG News Bureau
Seoul, 18th June. Former South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook, wife of ex-President Moon Jae-in, has taken legal action against ruling party lawmaker Rep Bae Hyun-jin, alleging defamation and the spread of false information related to her solo trip to India in 2018. According to Yonhap News Agency, the defamation suit, filed with the police, marks a crucial development in a contentious issue that has sparked political tensions in South Korea.

The lawsuit by Kim targets Rep Bae Hyun-jin of the ruling People Power Party (PPP). It challenges claims made by Bae, who alleged that Kim’s trip incurred excessive expenses amounting to 230 million won (approximately USD 166,400), with over 62 million won allegedly spent solely on in-flight meals.

The controversy surrounding Kim’s solo journey to India intensified as it was revealed that she undertook the diplomatic visit without President Moon, marking the first such instance in 16 years for a South Korean first lady. Former Culture Minister Do Jong-hwan recently disclosed an invitation extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Moon, underlining the official nature of Kim’s visit.

In response to mounting pressure, members of the PPP have called for a special counsel investigation into the expenditures associated with Kim’s trip. However, opposition figures have criticized these calls as an attempt to divert attention from separate allegations involving the current first lady, Kim Keon Hee, who faces accusations related to luxury gifts.

Prosecutors have initiated an investigation based on a complaint filed by Seoul city councilor Lee Jong-bae, also affiliated with the PPP, alleging the misuse of public funds totaling 400 million won during Kim Jung-sook’s visit to the Taj Mahal in India. This investigation is set to encompass additional allegations, including the alleged acceptance of luxury goods and services funded by government resources.

In response to the ongoing investigation, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office plans to summon Lee Jong-bae as a complainant on Wednesday. Prosecutors aim to thoroughly examine the range of allegations surrounding Kim’s conduct during and after her India trip, including the use of a presidential aircraft for official purposes.

Former President Moon Jae-in has defended Kim Jung-sook’s trip as a pivotal moment in South Korea’s diplomatic relations, citing the invitation from the Indian government as recognition of her role in fostering international ties. Nevertheless, critics argue that the expenditures associated with the trip warrant a comprehensive investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.