First Lady Kim Keon Hee accused of visiting a plastic surgery clinic on the day of Martial Law declaration

On December 23, Democratic Party lawmaker Jang Kyung Tae raised suspicions about First Lady Kim Keon Hee’s visit to a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam on the day of the December 3 martial law declaration, questioning its connection to the state of emergency. 

During a press conference held at the National Assembly’s Communication Hall, Jang stated, "On December 3, the day of the martial law declaration, Kim Keon Hee entered the clinic at 6:25 PM and stayed there for three hours, leaving at 9:30 PM, exactly one hour before martial law was declared." The clinic’s surveillance footage also showed a black vehicle, presumed to be carrying the First Lady, entering the building.

He added, "The clinic’s director, Dr. Park Dong Man of Park Dong Man Plastic Surgery, has been serving as the president’s medical advisor since July 2022. He is also known to have accompanied First Lady Kim to the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum during the President and First Lady's visit to Paris for the 2022 Busan Expo promotion."

Jang questioned why Kim would visit the Gangnam clinic in person instead of having Dr. Park come to the presidential office or residence for treatment. He questioned, “Was there a reason why she couldn’t call him to the residence that day? And does her leaving the clinic exactly one hour before the martial law declaration indicate that she, a civilian, had prior knowledge of the declaration?”

Jang also raised suspicions about potential illegal drug use during her visit.

He continued to ask, “What did Kim Keon Hee do during those three hours at the clinic? Three hours is typically the time required for major procedures, but given that this isn’t her first time and she appears to have received treatments regularly, the likelihood of a three-hour procedure is slim.” 

He further claimed, “Industry professionals suggest that a visit of this duration could raise suspicions of illegal drug administration, such as propofol.” The allegations have added to the ongoing political scrutiny surrounding the First Lady's activities.