Choi Jae-young: “The essence of the luxury bag scandal is Madam Kim’s involvement in state affairs corruption.”

“Pastor Choe Jae-young, who handed a luxury bag to Mrs. Kim Geon-hee, attended the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office on the 13th and stated, ‘The essence is not the receipt of a luxury bag, but a national scandal involving Mrs. Kim.'”

“The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office Criminal Division 1 (Chief Prosecutor Kim Seung-ho) called Pastor Choe a suspect for violating the Act on Prohibition of Unfair Solicitation, home invasion, and obstruction of official duties by status. Pastor Choe met with reporters and claimed, ‘Even the President and his spouse, who are responsible for state affairs, should be as upright as possible, but the reality of the President’s couple not meeting this standard must be revealed to the public for national responsibility. That’s why I conducted undercover reporting.'”

Pastor Choe Jae-young entering the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 13th for questioning. [Yonhap News]

“He further stated, ‘Not only the luxury bag I received but also other candidates were waiting in the corridor with gifts to meet Mrs. Kim. Even after moving to the Hannam-dong residence, I was asked to cover the story of receiving a high-quality pine tree sapling worth 10 million won from the founder of Baekseok University. I said that ‘nothing would have happened if I didn’t receive anything.'”

“The prosecution plans to confirm with Pastor Choe the circumstances, purpose, and solicitation of handing the luxury bag to Mrs. Kim.”

“Pastor Choe, a humorous expatriate, handed a luxury bag worth 3 million won to Mrs. Kim on September 13, 2022, after President Yoon took office, and secretly filmed with a ‘wristwatch spy camera.’ Seoul’s Voice released the filmed video last November, accusing President Yoon’s couple of violating the Act on Prohibition of Unfair Solicitation and receiving bribery, and reported them to the prosecution. Civic groups such as the People’s Livelihood Policy Council also reported Pastor Choe, leading him to be investigated as a suspect.”

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