Joo Jin-woo, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, accused President Lee Jae-myung's family on October 29 of playing what he termed 'imperial golf' at a naval base last summer and using a helicopter for transportation. He filed a complaint with the police against President Lee and his wife for abuse of power and embezzlement.
During a press conference at the National Assembly, Joo stated, "In August of last year, I played golf with President Lee and his family, including their eldest son, Lee Dong-ho, at Hansan Daewoo Country Club in Jinhae during our summer vacation."
He added, "After finishing golf, I took a helicopter from Hansan Daewoo CC to my accommodation," and presented a photo of the presidential helicopter, which he claimed was waiting for takeoff at that time.
Joo continued, "Around that time, the President's family played imperial golf in the same manner on several occasions. They must answer to the public about whether they used a helicopter for transportation and how the costs for the helicopter and golf were settled." He urged that if taxpayer money was misused in any way, it should be recovered immediately, and legal accountability should be pursued, calling for an investigation by the special inspector.
Earlier that day, Joo had filed a police complaint against President Lee and his wife regarding the allegations of 'imperial golf.'
Joo claimed that the allegations against President Lee regarding 'imperial golf' amounted to a total of 25 instances and demanded clarification on the reservation process and payment methods for the golf courses used by the presidential couple.
Regarding the controversy surrounding First Lady Kim's golf activities, he stated, "The Taereung Country Club in Seoul is essentially a place where the general public cannot make reservations, yet it was explained as if it were open to the public. This information should be transparently disclosed, and an apology is necessary."
Additionally, Joo raised concerns on October 20 about allegations that Kim received exclusive lessons from a famous professional golfer at Taereung CC and opened a presidential-only clubhouse.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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