On the 24th, First Lady Kim Keon-hee, addressing allegations that she accepted a Vacheron wristwatch after a businessperson in the "robot dog" industry asked her to help with the business, said, "I have never even heard of anything like a robot dog."
Kim appeared as a witness at the trial of businessman Seo Seong-bin, accused of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, held that day at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Agreement Division 21 (presiding judge Cho Soon-pyo).
Kim said, "I did not receive any solicitation from Seo Seong-bin," adding, "(Seo) is so excellent in fashion that I often asked many questions in that area. I have never heard of anything about robot dogs or anything like that."
When Seo's attorney asked, "The special counsel thinks differently," Kim said, "I don't understand it either. I don't know anything about any solicitation."
Kim added, "I chatted about fashion and the like (with Seo), like a neighborhood uncle," and "I don't know what business (Seo) is in."
Kim exercised her right to refuse to testify for most of the questioning by the special counsel team of Min Joong-ki. When Seo's attorney pressed her to confirm whether the watch was given as compensation, she testified as above.
Kim was indicted last December on charges that on Sept. 8, 2022, she received a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch from Seo along with a request to support the robot dog business. Seo was also indicted.
The special counsel team believes Kim was involved in the business operations, noting that Seo signed a pilot operation contract for robot dogs worth 17.9 million won with the Presidential Security Service. Kim's side said at the first hearing last month, "We only asked him to purchase the watch on our behalf."