First Lady makes appearance on live broadcast of Memorial Day ceremony

President Yoon Suk-yeol and Mrs. Kim Keon-hee speak during the Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cenotaph in Seoul on June 6. By Kim Chang-gil

Kim Keon-hee, the spouse of President Yoon Suk-yeol, attended a ceremony commemorating Memorial Day on June 6. Kim resumed her public appearances on May 16, but this is the first time she has appeared live. She has been gradually increasing her level of going public, initially releasing photos of events she attended with Yoon, then releasing photos of events she attended alone, and finally showing her appearance on a “live” broadcast of the ceremony.

Kim attended the ceremony marking Korea’s 69th Memorial Day at Seoul National Cemetery with President Yoon. Her appearance was broadcast live. Afterward, Kim visited a tower paying tribute to the spirit of the unknown soldier of the Hakdo Volunteer Army in the cemetery and paid her respect. She also had a luncheon at Yeongbingwan, the state guest house, in Cheong Wa Dae with 160 people, including those of national merit and the families of veterans.

Kim's move has become increasingly active. Her first public appearance in five months was made at a luncheon with the Cambodian leader on May 16, a diplomatic event that took place inside the presidential office. A Buddhist event at Hwaeamsa Temple in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, on May 19 was her first external event since resuming public activities. She attended the festival with the president.

Kim attended an exhibition of Ukrainian children's paintings at Cheong Wa Dae's Chunchugwan on May 21 alone. She was also alone at the opening ceremony of the Children's Environment and Ecology Education Center at Yongsan Children's Garden in Seoul on May 5. Until this event, photos of Kim were released after she attended the events. Kim's appearance was broadcast live for the first time at the Memorial Day ceremony.

Kim's public move has drawn attention in line with the prosecution's investigation into her alleged acceptance of a luxury bag and the opposition parties’ push for a bill to launch a special counsel investigation. It is interpreted that the presidential office has actually expressed its will to break through head-on. There are also critical voices within the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP). A senior PPP lawmaker said, "It is inappropriate to resume public activities at a time when there are many controversies. I think it is better for the party not to come forward as much as possible."

※This article has undergone review by a professional translator after being translated by an AI translation tool.