Explainer Why a Dior handbag caused such a stir

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is fighting for his political life after his attempt to break an impasse in Parliament by briefly imposing martial law backfired.

The incident was part of a series of blunders that has eroded public support and could lead to his impeachment.

One of the events that shifted public sentiment against his government was a luxury Dior handbag given to First Lady Kim Keon Hee under questionable circumstances.

While that incident happened in 2022, it came to light only in November 2023 and then escalated into a political firestorm in early 2024.

Prosecutors later cleared Ms Kim of any criminal charge, although opposition parties have said the bag was a bribe and called for an independent probe.

Mr Yoon and the First Lady have denied any wrongdoing and said the gift was part of a "manoeuvre" to discredit them.

UPROAR OVER THE DIOR BAG

A video reportedly shot by pastor Choi Jae-young, who has sought a softening of the President's tough stance towards North Korea, shows the purchase of a Dior handbag for three million won (S$2,830).

Using a camera concealed on a watch, Mr Choi then walks into what appears to be the office of a planning firm run by Ms Kim and presents her with a shopping bag that purportedly contains the Dior clutch.

He passes it to her, with Ms Kim being recorded as saying: "Why do you keep bringing these?" then telling him not to do so and adding "never buy something expensive like this".