First lady Kim Jung-sook has been hit with accusations of abusing public funds for clothing and accessories, and for instances of acting as a tourist rather than participating in the customary official events of Korean first ladies during state visits.
The sudden emergence of a "wardrobe scandal" has prompted people to scramble online to gather photos of Kim at public events. With the photos showing her in an array of outfits, some raised questions about whether she purchased the clothes using her personal funds.
The association, before petitioning the court, had requested Cheong Wa Dae disclose the information. But the presidential office had declined, saying that the information contained confidential data involving national security and that disclosing it might "compromise the country's critical benefits."
Article by Ko Dong-hwan