From pianist to ‘political partner’: Who is Kim Hye-kyung, South Korea’s new first lady?

From pianist to ‘political partner’: Who is Kim Hye-kyung, South Korea’s new first lady?

With liberal leader Lee Jae-myung securing a thumping victory in the snap presidential election, his spouse, Kim Hye-kyung, now steps into the role of First Lady. The position carries both ceremonial weight and constant public scrutiny in South Korean politics. However, Kim was not always in favour of politics. In 2006, when Lee said he wanted to run for Seongnam mayor, Kim told him that he should ‘file for divorce before entering the race’

With Lee Jae-myung’s win, his spouse, Kim Hye-kyung, now steps into the role of First Lady—a position that carries both ceremonial weight and constant public scrutiny in South Korean politics. AFP