From Van Cleef to Vacheron, luxury gifts at centre of probe into South Korea’s former first lady

South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee, centre, wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol, arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review her arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors, in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. - Pool Photo via AP

SEOUL: The special counsel investigation into former first lady Kim Keon Hee has turned the spotlight on lavish items allegedly gifted to her during her husband’s rise to the presidency and his time in office, including a diamond necklace, a high-end watch and designer shoes.

Among the most notable luxury items is a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklace, which Kim wore while accompanying then-president Yoon Suk Yeol on their first overseas trip as the presidential couple to the NATO summit in June 2022.