SEOUL — The Presidential office on Wednesday sharply criticized the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) for allegedly politicizing the suicide of an anti-corruption official involved in investigating allegations against First Lady Kim Keon Hee.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the opposition’s actions, particularly during parliamentary sessions where anti-corruption officials were intensely questioned, may have exacerbated pressures on the late acting chief of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission’s (ACRC) anti-corruption bureau. This official, who had not been publicly identified, was overseeing politically sensitive cases, including the probe into the first lady’s alleged acceptance of a luxury handbag, which was controversially closed in June with no charges. “We cannot help but express our regret at the despicable behavior of the opposition party, which once again uses the tragic death of a public official for political attacks,” Jeong stated in a briefing.
The controversy escalated following remarks by DP lawmaker Jeon Hyun-hee, a former ACRC chair, who labeled the first lady a “murderer” during a parliamentary hearing. In response, the presidential office has demanded a formal apology from the DP for what it describes as “unspeakable vulgarities” and a violation of human rights against the first lady.
Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party has condemned Jeon Hyun-hee’s statements as “anti-humane, violent language” and has initiated a motion to strip her of her parliamentary seat. The political strife underscores the intense partisan divide over the handling of corruption investigations linked to high-ranking officials.