The wife of South Korea's leading conservative party candidate has stepped into the spotlight ahead of next week's elections, actively campaigning to undermine the image of the liberal frontrunner and his partner while boosting her husband's campaign. Last week, Seol Nan-young took her outspoken criticism to Saturday Night Live Korea, where she humorously addressed the scandals surrounding the wife of her husband's main opponent and emphasized a clean family image for her spouse, Kim Moon-soo, the candidate from the conservative People Power Party. Kim faces a challenging task in distancing himself from former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was impeached and removed from office following a brief attempt at martial law in December.
Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung, the leading candidate from the liberal Democratic Party, is significantly ahead in the polls. However, both he and his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, are facing criminal allegations. While these charges are unlikely to hinder Lee's campaign, they have given Seol ample opportunity to challenge his ethical integrity.
Seol has focused on Kim Hye-kyung, who was fined for improperly using a government credit card to pay for a meal while her husband served as a provincial governor. Kim has denied the allegations and is appealing the decision.
"This is a crucial election," Seol stated at a recent event attended by around 400 supporters and female lawmakers, who introduced her as someone who "doesn't use corporate credit cards." "You can choose the clean, honest Kim Moon-soo or another candidate who is corrupt and deceitful."
The term "spouse risk," as it is referred to in Korean, has emerged as a significant issue in the election following a series of scandals, including one involving Yoon's wife accepting a Dior handbag, which is believed to have contributed to the PPP's defeat in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Experts suggest that the controversies surrounding Yoon's wife may have influenced his decision to declare martial law in December.
On Tuesday, Kim Moon-soo announced that if elected, he would appoint a special inspector to investigate allegations of misconduct involving the president's family. He criticized the role of first ladies, stating that they have become associated with luxury items and lavish lifestyles rather than public service and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, Lee is facing intensified scrutiny due to a series of legal issues involving him and his wife, which his opponents have highlighted. The PPP has even proposed a debate on ethics concerning the spouses of candidates, a suggestion that Lee's party has declined.
During her appearance on Saturday Night Live, Seol was asked if the misuse of corporate credit by Lee's wife was more serious than Yoon's spouse accepting a luxury bag. She responded that using the card, which she equated to misusing taxpayer money, was indeed worse.
Her comments sparked criticism from Lee's party, which cautioned her against overstepping boundaries. When reporters inquired whether his wife planned to speak out and campaign like Seol, Lee refrained from commenting, joking, "I don't know much about what my wife is doing."
According to Lee Jun-han, a political science professor at Incheon National University, the attacks on Kim Hye-kyung could hinder Lee's approval ratings as the June 3 elections approach.
"In Korean politics, the influence of spouses is significant, often in a negative manner," he stated. "Kim's wife is positioning herself as a dark horse, deliberately distinguishing herself from Lee's wife."
