South Korea's Political Situation

Kim admits to receiving luxury gifts but denies bribery scheme

South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, who is accused of bribery, has admitted to accepting expensive designer handbags from a leader of the Unification Church religious movement, The Independent reports.

In the ongoing court case, she admits to receiving two Chanel bags, estimated to be worth around 53,000 and 79,000 kronor respectively. According to the allegations, she received the bags in exchange for giving the movement business benefits.

Kim Keon Hee, the wife of Yook Suk Yeol, who was ousted earlier this year, denies that the gifts were part of such a scheme.

Lawyers: She knows she should have said no

South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, has accepted two Chanel bags from a religious leader in the country but it was done without any demand for compensation. This is stated in a new statement, writes The Independent.

Kim claims that she did not accept the bags in exchange for providing financial benefits to the Unification Church, but admits that it was still wrong.

"She is deeply aware of the mistake she made by not saying no," the statement reads.