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South China Morning Post
a minute ago
- South China Morning Post
Kim Keon-hee's reckoning: public grilling for South Korea's scandal-plagued ex-first lady
Clad in sombre attire and flanked by flashing cameras, Kim Keon-hee offered a rare apology on Wednesday as she became South Korea 's first former first lady to face public questioning – a symbolic reckoning in a country where political scandal rarely fades away quietly. The wife of ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol is being investigated by special prosecutors probing her putative role in a web of alleged corruption, stock manipulation and political interference. As Kim, 52, arrived at the Seoul office of Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki, she was confronted by a barrage of shouted questions and camera lenses, in what has become a ritualistic moment of accountability for those in South Korean public life. Turning to the assembled crowd, her voice subdued by the media clamour, Kim said: 'Even though I am so insignificant, I sincerely apologise for causing public concern.' 'I'll fully cooperate with the investigation and return,' she added before disappearing inside the building and away from view. Kim Keon-hee (centre) enters the special prosecutor's office in Seoul on Wednesday. Photo: Yonhap/EPA The sight of a former first lady being summoned so publicly is unprecedented in South Korea, a nation accustomed to seeing politicians and business leaders humble themselves before the press in moments of public reckoning. While two previous first ladies have faced private questioning, Kim is the first to be called before the cameras.


South China Morning Post
a minute ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong must stand firm on same-sex rights in the face of ignorance
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Advertisement I am writing to express my strong support for the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong. Hong Kong aspires to be recognised as a world-class city that welcomes all who live here, or seek to travel to or make Hong Kong their home. But as long as we continue to demonstrate to the world an ignorance of the attitude to homosexuality in ancient China and some lawmakers air views that demean our city by using the debate on same-sex partnerships as a platform for division, we fail to present Hong Kong as 'Asia's World City'. Moreover, a study in 2023 found that 60 per cent of Hong Kong residents support same-sex marriage. I have lived in Hong Kong for over 30 years and built an internationally recognised art business with my Hong Kong-born-and-raised partner. We have never been judged for our sexual orientation, only for the success of our business, which employs staff in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. We got married in New Zealand in June 2023, formalising a partnership of over 20 years. It is sad that the union could not take place in Hong Kong and remains unrecognised in the city we call home. Advertisement


South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong needs real talent, not troublemakers and misfits
The Top Talent Pass Scheme is a well-intentioned and much-needed scheme to meet the challenge posed by the trend of outward migration that Hong Kong has seen in recent years. It is designed to enrich the city's human capital – especially in the field of innovation and technology – and enhance its overall economic competitiveness. Reflecting the government's resolve to attract talent, the scheme is highly applicant-friendly. It represents a kind of 'open door policy' for immigration. The government has moved to fast-track immigration for talented professionals through other efforts as well. Since 2022, the city has received 500,000 applications under various talent admission schemes. It has approved 330,000 of them; 220,000 applicants have arrived. Hong Kong clearly wants to entice qualified applicants to arrive as soon as possible and let them know that the city welcomes them with open arms. The scheme has opened the floodgates to immigration and has become a strong magnet, drawing a large number of talented professionals from mainland China. Given the mainland's relatively subdued economic growth, Hong Kong has become an attractive alternative for young professionals. This explains why the number of applicants has exceeded the originally announced target. 04:09 Hong Kong policy address: John Lee woos money, cuts liquor duty and regulates subdivided flats Hong Kong policy address: John Lee woos money, cuts liquor duty and regulates subdivided flats