Who is Kim Keon-hee? 'First Lady' documentary film focusing on the wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol set to be released amidst martial law controversy

On December 12, 2024, the highly anticipated documentary First Lady will premiere, shedding light on the controversies surrounding Kim Keon-hee, the wife of South Korea’s current President Yoon Suk-yeol. The film has already stirred significant public discourse as it examines allegations that have marred her tenure as the nation’s First Lady.

Kim Keon-hee, a businesswoman and art curator, became a prominent figure in South Korean politics after her husband, Yoon Suk-yeol, was elected president in 2022. Despite her initial focus on cultural initiatives and public appearances, she has been at the center of numerous controversies, which overshadowed her official role.

Gangnam Times reported that the upcoming documentary film, First Lady, will delve into her alleged influence over the rerouting of the Yangpyeong Expressway, and the mystery surrounding her reported involvement in private-sector government interventions and more.

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Documentary film First Lady reported to center on scandals involving Kim Keon-hee

Geo News reported that in January 2024, footage surfaced of Kim Keon-hee allegedly receiving a luxury Christian Dior handbag as a gift from a pastor. While her office confirmed the bag’s existence and labeled it as “government property,” the incident fueled public outrage over perceived impropriety.

As per reports, even before President Yoon's election, Kim Keon-hee faced accusations of involvement in a stock manipulation case linked to Deutsche Motors, raising questions about her financial dealings.

Additionally, she was embroiled in a controversy where a highway project was rerouted to benefit her family’s landholdings. Although the project was ultimately canceled, the scandal intensified scrutiny of her influence on state affairs.

Furthermore, other allegations against her also include academic and professional fraud, thesis plagiarism, and purported connections to shamanic leaders such as Cheon Gong. All these scandals will reportedly be unearthed in the upcoming documentary film, First Lady, on December 12, 2024.

These issues have caused political headaches for President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling People Power Party (PPP), with some opposition members allegedly labeling her a “political liability.” Her perceived extravagance has drawn comparisons to Marie Antoinette, a critique that has resonated in a nation struggling with economic challenges.

Gangnam Times reported that the official trailer of First Lady brought forward disturbing speculations against Kim Keon-hee's alleged take over of South Korea's political power. The movie will also criticize Kim Keon-hee's 2022 election campaign pledge, that she would "focus solely on her role as a wife."

Adding to the tension, South Korea was plunged into political chaos on December 3, 2024, when President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law. He cited escalating “civil unrest” as the rationale for martial law. However, opposition parties denounced the move as an attempt to suppress dissent.

The Democratic Party of Korea and other opposition groups initiated impeachment proceedings against Yoon on December 7, citing abuse of power and failure to address corruption within his administration. However, the impeachment vote failed as only 192 votes were received instead of the required 200 votes.

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Meanwhile, President Yoon Suk-yeol has been placed under a travel ban, following a potential legal investigation due to his martial law decree. South Korean citizens continue to protest and demand his resignation.