Investigations around the Kim family reveal high-end jewelry brands such as Van Cleef and Vacheron, being at the heart of the inquiry.
The spotlight is on South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, as she faces an investigation involving luxury items and potential political corruption.
At the heart of the investigation is a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklace valued at around 60 million won ($46,000), which Kim reportedly wore during a 2022 NATO summit trip but failed to declare in her official asset disclosures as required by law[1][2]. The necklace, known as the "Snowflake Pendant," was worn by Kim during the summit and is currently listed on Van Cleef & Arpels' official website for approximately 83.5 million won[3].
Authorities suspect the necklace was a gift from Seohee Construction, a domestic construction company, implying a possible quid pro quo related to political favors, including the appointment of the company chairman’s son-in-law as prime minister’s chief of staff[1][5]. The special counsel team has obtained testimony from Seohee Construction confirming that the company had purchased the necklace and gifted it to Kim[4].
Initially, Kim claimed the necklace was a fake purchased 15-20 years ago in Hong Kong and presented as a gift to her mother; moreover, a replica was seized from her brother-in-law’s home, seemingly supporting this claim[1][4]. However, the special counsel produced the authentic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, supplied by Lee Bong-kwan (linked to Seohee Construction), and evidence showed Kim’s testimony was false[2][3].
The investigation will explore whether the necklace was given as compensation for political favors, such as high-level appointments and government contracts, including a costly Vacheron Constantin watch possibly linked to a robot guard dog contract[3][5].
In addition to the necklace, Kim faces allegations relating to other expensive gifts allegedly tied to political corruption through intermediaries connected to religious organizations with commercial interests[5]. Raids on the homes of Kim and her family have uncovered other luxury items, including shoes from Chanel.
The ongoing probe implicates Kim in bribery, asset concealment, and abuse of power, with Seohee Construction playing a central role as the alleged source of illicit gifts aimed at obtaining government favors for its affiliates[1][5]. The investigation is unfolding with Kim already arrested and further inquiries expected into the company’s dealings and political connections[2][3][5].
[1] Hankyoreh (2022). Special Counsel Investigates Seohee Construction in Luxury Gift Scandal. [2] Yonhap News (2022). Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee Arrested in Luxury Gift Scandal. [3] Van Cleef & Arpels (2022). Snowflake Pendant Necklace. [4] JoongAng Ilbo (2022). Kim Keon Hee's Brother-in-Law's House Raided in Luxury Gift Scandal. [5] Chosun Ilbo (2022). Luxury Gifts, Political Corruption, and Seohee Construction.
The investigation surrounding South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, revolves around general-news topics such as political corruption and luxury gifts. Specifically, at the heart of the investigation is a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklace, valued at around 60 million won, which Kim allegedly failed to declare as required by law and is now linked to potential political bribery from Seohee Construction.
