Lee Nak-yeon on Criticism of Kim Jung-sook's Clothing Expenses: "Low-level Politics... Significantly Reduced Special Activity Expenses in Moon Administration"

청 "Regret over Baseless Allegations on Clothing Costs"

Former Lee Nak-yeon, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] As the People Power Party raises controversy over the clothing expenses of Kim Jung-sook, the wife of President Moon Jae-in, former leader of the Democratic Party Lee Nak-yeon pointed out that "the People Power Party's repeated attacks on the official event attire of the president's wife are not appropriate."

In a post on his Facebook on the 31st of last month, Lee said, "This is embarrassingly low-level politics that only reveals a lack of understanding of the public role of the president's spouse."

He emphasized, "As far as I know, President Moon and his family strictly distinguished between public and private matters," adding, "Moreover, during the five years of the Moon Jae-in administration, the Blue House and various government departments significantly reduced special activity expenses. They used only the minimum necessary and returned any remaining funds to the national treasury."

Lee also explained, "For overseas trips, the schedule was tightly arranged to minimize local stays by staying on the plane and returning quickly," adding, "There were even intense schedules like a '1-night 4-day visit to the United States.' I also visited 28 countries with such a hectic schedule during my time as Prime Minister."

Furthermore, he said, "This is a critical time of government transition," and "Those preparing the new government should be focusing on refining and presenting a new national vision and policies, which is more than enough to keep them busy."

Finally, he concluded his post by saying, "I want to believe that they do not hope the new government will stand out by disparaging the soon-to-be-retired government and embarrassing the outgoing president."

First Lady Kim Jung-sook is speaking at a meeting with Egyptian Korean culture promotion experts held at a hotel in Cairo, Egypt, on January 20 (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, the People Power Party criticized the Blue House for not disclosing the details of special activity expenses and launched an offensive.

Kang Min-guk, the floor spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in a statement on the 30th of last month, "The Blue House explained that Mrs. Kim bore all clothing expenses out of her own pocket, but they have not disclosed the details of special activity expenses or spending records to the end," adding, "What kind of state secret is the first lady's clothing expense? What is the Blue House afraid of hiding?"

Kang said, "If special activity expenses were not used, it is a matter that can be openly disclosed to the public," adding, "If it was paid out of personal funds, there is no reason not to disclose it, and even if special activity expenses were used, they should transparently disclose it to the public and ask for understanding. The more they hide, the more suspicions only increase."

Meanwhile, as controversy over Mrs. Kim's clothing expenses continued, the Blue House expressed regret again over the indiscriminate allegations, saying, "We express regret once again over the indiscriminate suspicions raised not only about the Blue House's special activity expenses at the end of the term but also about Mrs. Kim's clothing and accessories."

Park Soo-hyun, the Blue House Chief of Public Communication, said at a briefing that day, "The Blue House's refusal to disclose detailed special activity expenses follows the government's common policy," adding, "If the Blue House's special activity expenses were disclosed, there is information that could harm national security and national interests and cause disruption to state affairs, so the Blue House had no choice but to seek a higher-level review decision."

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