Rep. Joo Jin-woo Urges Special Inspection into Kim Hye-kyung's 'Emperor Golf' Allegations, Directly Confronts Democratic Party's Plan to File Complaint

People Power Party lawmaker Joo Jin-woo urged Choi Gil-soo, the presidential special inspector, to launch an inspection into allegations of "emperor golf" involving first lady Kim Hye-kyung.

Holding a press conference on the morning of October 27 at the National Assembly's press center, Joo claimed that on the day of the ceiling collapse accident in Daegu—when President Lee Jae-myung acknowledged receiving briefings while playing golf with his family—first lady Kim Hye-kyung booked the "emperor golf" outing that Joo revealed through video on October 26.

Joo sharply criticized the presidential couple, saying, "At the very moment the presidential office admitted learning of the accident at the golf course and receiving briefings while playing golf, Kim Hye-kyung was booking her next golf outing. Are the two of them truly addicted to golf? Do they not care at all about the public, playing golf and booking the next round regardless of whether citizens are injured?"

He added, "There is a pattern to the 'emperor golf' bookings: starting at the first tee-off time of the afternoon session with no group ahead, while leaving four consecutive slots empty behind them."

Joo maintained that an inspection by the special inspector must determine when, with whom, and with what funds the golf rounds were played.

During a subsequent question-and-answer session with reporters regarding his earlier identification of professional golfer Lydia Ko as the lesson instructor, Joo answered to the effect that his intention was not to criticize a specific professional golfer, but that the key issue is how the president's spouse paid millions of won in golf lesson fees at a time when people's livelihoods are difficult.

He added, "If an opposition lawmaker cannot even raise questions about whistleblower tips during a parliamentary audit, would that not make this a dictatorship?" Joo stated, "I plan to directly submit the compiled details to the special inspector along with a formal request demanding an investigation."

Regarding the Democratic Party of Korea's stated plan to file a complaint against him for spreading false information, Joo characterized it as an attempt to "divert attention," saying, "If there are any falsehoods in the suspicions raised regarding the payment records, go ahead and file a complaint. I will instead urge a proper and thorough investigation."

Earlier, on October 26, Joo raised allegations that first lady Kim Hye-kyung had played golf on October 20 accompanied by a famous professional golfer.

The presidential office denounced the claim as false information, and the Democratic Party announced plans to file a complaint against Joo.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.