Controversy has reignited regarding former South Korean first lady Kim Jung-sook’s trip to India, particularly concerning the alleged extravagant spending of taxpayers’ money during the visit. The controversy has escalated as the opposition party calls for legal action against accusations of defamation while the ruling camp urges swift complaint filings.
Accusations have emerged that Kim Jung-sook and her accompanying delegation spent 62.92 million won (approximately $45,800) solely on in-flight meals during their private plane journey to visit the Taj Mahal in India.
This expenditure has stirred controversy, with critics questioning the justification for such lavish spending, labeling it as an instance of “self-invitation.”
Data provided by People Power Party Representative Bae Hyun Jin revealed that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism signed a contract worth 236.7 million won with Korean Air in November 2018 for First Lady Kim Jung Sook and her entourage’s visit to India via private plane.
Meanwhile, Democratic Party of Korea Representative Yoon Gun-young announced on the 4th that Kim Jung-sook intends to pursue legal action against those who have defamed her without basis. Although Yoon did not specify the targets of the legal action, it is understood to encompass individuals such as Yoon Sang-Hyun and Park Soo-young, who have raised suspicions regarding Kim’s trip to India.
In response to these allegations, ruling People Power Party Representative Yoon Sang-hyun proposed a bill on June 3 calling for a special counsel investigation into the former first lady’s purported misuse of her position and public funds during her visit to India in 2018. Yoon emphasized the necessity of such an investigation, suggesting that Kim Jung-sook’s actions could constitute a corruption case.
The controversy surrounding former first lady Kim Jung-sook’s trip to India deepened as details emerged about her use of a private jet and in-flight expenses. Mrs. Kim utilized the presidential jet from November 4 to 7, 2018, with 36 individuals accompanying her. Notably, President Moon Jae-in did not accompany her, sparking criticism over what some termed as “solo diplomacy.”
Opposition lawmakers have raised concerns over the appropriateness of using taxpayer funds for the first lady’s solo visit and the exorbitant expenditure on in-flight meals. Representative Bae Hyun Jin highlighted the disparity between the lavish spending on the trip and the average annual salary of ordinary citizens, describing it as inappropriate.
In response to criticisms and calls for legal action, Representative Park Soo-young questioned whether it was the role of former President Moon Jae-in and the first lady to interfere with parliamentary activities. He urged swift legal action and vowed to cooperate with investigations once the complainant’s case against Mrs. Kim concluded. Additionally, government documents obtained by Representative Park revealed that the Indian government initially invited then-Culture Minister Do Jong-hwan to visit in 2018 but later altered the itinerary to accommodate Mrs. Kim’s trip.
