South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee has again made headlines after revelations that she sat on a royal throne during a private palace visit – triggering ridicule that she must have fancied herself a queen, given her oversized influence over her husband.
Kim reportedly sat on the throne during a private tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal compound of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), while accompanied by government officials in 2023.
Professor Lee Jun-han of Incheon National University said the incident revealed how she behaved as “the power behind the throne”.
“By sitting on the king’s seat, she showed no hesitation, revealing her perception that she was the real power holder – more powerful than her husband, the president,” Lee told This Week in Asia, referring to disgraced leader Yoon Suk-yeol, who is facing insurrection charges after a failed martial law bid.
“She privatised power, blurred the line between public and private affairs, and committed acts of impertinence that go beyond the imagination of ordinary citizens,” he added.
Choi Jin, head of think tank the Institute for Presidential Leadership, recalled that Kim was often seen walking ahead of her husband at official events, even urging a visibly uncomfortable Yoon to engage with foreign leaders at the 2022 G20 summit in Bali.
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