"Mrs. Kim Jung-sook, Thank You for Lending Moon to the People"… 청원 Appears Amid 'Clothing Cost Controversy'

President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook are delivering New Year's greetings through a video at the Blue House for the Lunar New Year holiday. / Photo by the Blue House

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Amid ongoing controversies over clothing expenses, First Lady Kim Jung-sook, spouse of President Moon Jae-in, has received support through a petition posted on the Blue House National Petition Board.

On the 28th, a petition titled "We Love First Lady Kim Jung-sook" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. Similar to a previous petition titled "We Love President Moon Jae-in," this petition contained messages supporting both First Lady Kim and President Moon.

The petitioner stated, "First Lady Kim Jung-sook, thank you for lending President Moon Jae-in to the people for the past five years. Although there were many difficulties due to COVID-19, the current status of the Republic of Korea was achieved through President Moon Jae-in's efforts and dedication," adding, "I believe it was possible because the First Lady stood by President Moon's side."

They continued, "In about 40 days, we will have to let go of President Moon Jae-in and the First Lady," and added, "First Lady Kim Jung-sook, I love and respect you and President Moon Jae-in. Thank you. Always be happy and healthy."

Although the petitioner did not directly mention the 'clothing expense controversy,' the background of this post appears to target the ongoing disputes surrounding the recent controversy over the Blue House's special activity funds and the non-disclosure of the First Lady's protocol expenses.

Meanwhile, the Blue House issued an official statement denying allegations that special activity funds were used for the First Lady's clothing purchases, calling them "baseless claims."

On the 29th, Shin Hye-hyun, Deputy Spokesperson of the Blue House, stated at a briefing at the Blue House Chunghyugwan, "During the term, as the president's spouse, there was never a budget allocated from special activity funds or other state funds for clothing purchases; all expenses were paid out of pocket," adding, "We regret that false claims are being made under the pretext that it is difficult to disclose the specifics of the presidential secretariat's special activity funds."

She further explained, "Clothing received during overseas trips, protocol events, and international occasions was either donated or returned," and clarified, "During official activities such as summits, overseas visits, and hosting foreign dignitaries, protocol expenses for heads of state and their spouses are supported by a portion of the budget at a minimal level following strict internal procedures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.