First lady's reserved role strikes contrast with controversial predecessor

“First lady Kim Hea Kyung remains largely out of the spotlight one year into President Lee Jae Myung's administration, adopting a low-key public role that contrasts sharply with the high-profile approach of her predecessor, Kim Keon Hee. Kim Hea Kyung has limited her public appearances and stayed away from political issues — a strategy political observers describe as prudent, given that presidential spouses, despite holding no official constitutional role, can shape public perceptions and affect a president's political standing. “The country has witnessed the so-called 'first lady risk' associated with former first lady Kim Keon Hee,” an analyst said on condition of anonymity. “Against that backdrop, the incumbent first lady's reserved role appears appropriate and consistent with her role of supporting the president." Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted on charges including stock price manipulation involving Deutsch Motors and accepting money and valuables linked to the Unification Church, a religious group. Her husband, former President Yoon S

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