The second comprehensive special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, has begun a formal inquiry into allegations surrounding the relocation of the presidential office and residence during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The investigation focuses on whether there were any illegal activities during the audit conducted by the Board of Audit and Inspection from 2022 to 2024.
In a press release on May 14, the special prosecutor's office stated, "We are investigating whether there were any illegalities in the audit process regarding the relocation of the presidential office and residence," adding that they executed search warrants at four locations, including the Board of Audit and Inspection and three residences, starting at 9 a.m.
Details regarding the specific targets of the searches or the nature of the allegations remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation.
Following his election, President Yoon Suk Yeol relocated the presidential office to the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan and the presidential residence to the former minister of foreign affairs' residence. Allegations of favoritism and illegalities arose concerning the selection of construction firms and budget execution, prompting the Board of Audit and Inspection to conduct an audit, the results of which were released last year.
The Board of Audit and Inspection determined that 21gram, the company overseeing the residence construction, began work before the contract was signed and subcontracted to multiple unqualified firms, violating the Construction Industry Basic Law. However, the core allegations regarding how 21gram was awarded the contract remain unresolved, leading to criticism of a flawed audit.
The special prosecutor's office plans to investigate whether the Board of Audit and Inspection failed to adequately examine the circumstances surrounding the awarding of the construction contract and budget execution based on the materials obtained during the searches.
Additionally, the special prosecutor's office is looking into potential connections between 21gram and Kim Geon-hee, the spouse of President Yoon. 21gram sponsored exhibitions organized by Kim's company, Kovana Contents, and was also responsible for the design and construction of her office. Allegations of personal connections between Kim and the company's representatives have also surfaced.
Reports indicate that 21gram demanded payment for construction costs without objective evidence, and government budget allocations were executed without proper verification or adjustments, following directives from the presidential office.
According to the Construction Industry Basic Law, a comprehensive construction license is required for expansion and structural reinforcement work; however, 21gram is only registered as an interior construction company, raising legal concerns over its involvement in the residence expansion project.
It has also been confirmed that 21gram received over 1.4 billion won in construction payments before the completion inspection was conducted. The special prosecutor's office is expanding its investigation based on suspicions of illegal budget reallocations during this process.
Furthermore, Yoon Jae-soon, the former chief secretary to the president, has been summoned for questioning as a suspect in the abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights. He is accused of being involved in budget reallocations and payment processes during the relocation of the residence.
The special prosecutor's office previously questioned Kim O-jin, the former deputy minister of land, infrastructure, and transport, as a suspect and plans to interrogate Kim Dae-ki, the former chief of staff to the president, on May 15. Relevant materials were secured through searches of related departments, including the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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