South Korea’s Former First Lady Accused of Sitting on Royal Throne at Seoul Palace

South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee faces fresh controversy after the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) said she sat on the king’s throne in Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace during a closed-door visit in September 2023.

The KHS said the presidential office requested the private tour while the palace was shut to the public; an official told the National Assembly that Kim «walked up the steps… and sat on the throne.» The red-and-gold seat, considered the highest symbol of Joseon-era authority, is normally off-limits; KHS noted the chair used was a replica, not the original. No past president has sat on the throne, the agency added.

Opposition lawmakers condemned the act, with cultural officials calling it «wrong.» Kim previously drew criticism for holding a tea gathering in a restricted area of Jongmyo Shrine in 2024.

Kim is also on trial following her arrest last month on charges including stock manipulation and corruption. Her husband, former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was removed from office in April over his martial law decree and returned to prison in August amid a separate rebellion case.