Anti-Corruption Commission Requests Police Probe Into 2024 Acquittal of Ex-First Lady

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission decided Friday to request a police investigation into suspicions surrounding its 2024 decision that then first lady Kim Keon Hee's acceptance of a luxury handbag from a Korean American pastor constituted no violation of the anti-graft law.

Kim's acceptance of a Dior handbag from pastor Choi Jae-young prompted a complaint that she violated the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. The commission had cleared her, stating there is no related regulation covering the spouse of a public servant under the act.

The commission launched a task force in March 2026 to review the decision. This occurred after a new chief took office following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol and the election of current President Lee Jae Myung.

The task force identified circumstances involving an unofficial nighttime meeting by then deputy commission chief Chung Seung-yun at the official residence of Yoon. Chung was also accused of unfair treatment of a senior commission official who handled the handbag case.

That official later committed suicide. On Friday, the commission said it decided to refer the case to police for further investigation.

The task force also overturned the agency's 2024 decision regarding medical staff involved in transporting then opposition leader Lee Jae Myung from Busan to Seoul by helicopter for treatment after a knife attack. The original ruling had found the transport breached a code of conduct because it was considered preferential treatment.

The commission said it was inappropriate to view the transport decision as a violation, citing additional statements and accounts. Medical staff at Pusan National University Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital made the decision within the scope of their authority, according to the revised finding.

The developments come amid heightened scrutiny of prior actions by the commission under its previous leadership.