The highly anticipated documentary film First Lady has unveiled its main trailer, drawing widespread attention as it delves into the controversial life of South Korea’s First Lady, Kim Keon Hee. The film explores various scandals involving Kim, including allegations of receiving a luxurious Dior handbag, her alleged influence on the rerouting of the Yangpyeong Expressway, and suspicions of her involvement in government interference within the private sector.
The newly released trailer opens with provocative phrases such as, “Have you heard of VIP2?” and “Are we talking about Kim Keon Hee?” It portrays South Korea’s First Lady as a powerful figure, suggesting that President Yoon Suk Yeol may be more of a puppet under her control. Accompanied by the tagline, “A disaster born from the desire for attention!” the trailer also features prominent individuals connected to these controversies. Among them are Pastor Choi Jae Young, who allegedly delivered the Dior handbag; Lee Myung Soo, a journalist from Voice of Seoul who claims to have had a seven-hour discussion with Kim during the election campaign; and Chairman Jeong Dae Taek, who has been involved in a decade-long legal dispute with Kim’s family.
Even before Yoon’s election, Kim Keon Hee was no stranger to controversy. Allegations against her included fabricating academic and professional credentials, plagiarizing her thesis, manipulating stock prices tied to Deutsch Motors, and maintaining ties with cult figures such as Cheon Gong. Through interviews and revelations, First Lady paints a complex portrait of Kim, positioning her at the center of these scandals.
The documentary raises an unsettling question about power dynamics in South Korea’s leadership: it appears not only the president but also the First Lady wields considerable political influence. The film critiques Kim Keon Hee’s 2022 campaign promise — made during a press briefing — to “focus solely on her duties as a wife.” This pledge is scrutinized as hypocritical given her extensive involvement in national matters.
At the heart of the film is the question: “Who is truly the VIP in the Yongsan Presidential Office?” This central theme has amplified anticipation for the documentary, which promises an in-depth exploration of the controversies surrounding Kim Keon Hee.
Kim Hoon Tae, CEO of the film’s production company Today Pictures, highlighted the importance of civic awareness. He warned, “When we become indifferent, monsters that feed on power are born, threatening our peaceful existence.” First Lady is being hailed as a thorough investigation into the allegations against Kim, who remains South Korea’s First Lady despite ongoing criticism. Kim Hoon Tae adds, “I hope that politically disengaged and moderate voters, especially those in their 20s and 30s, will watch this film without preconceptions.”
The film’s release on December 12th comes amidst heightened political tensions, including the recent announcement of martial law in South Korea.
In a related development, President Yoon declared a state of emergency from the Yongsan Presidential Office on Tuesday, sparking widespread public discourse. In response, a special session of the National Assembly was convened early Wednesday morning, during which 190 members unanimously voted to nullify the emergency declaration. By 4:27 AM on Wednesday, Yoon officially lifted the state of emergency, further intensifying focus on the unfolding political situation.
First Lady is set to premiere on December 12th, at a time when tensions in South Korea’s political landscape are at a boiling point. The documentary’s debut could not be more timely, as it offers a critical look into the power dynamics in the country’s leadership.
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