"Comprehensive Mismanagement of Gwangju Nanum House Operations"... Lee Jae-myung to Form Special Investigation Team

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, is forming a special investigation team to investigate the operation and management of 'Nanum-ui Jip' in Gwangju, a nursing facility for grandmothers who were victims of Japanese military sexual slavery.

This follows the results of a special inspection conducted by Gyeonggi Province on Nanum-ui Jip starting from the 13th, which confirmed ▲non-compliance with local contract laws during the expansion construction of Nanum-ui Jip ▲inappropriateness in managing and operating the grandmothers' donation funds ▲mixing of donation accounts and overall poor management ▲potential possibility of elder abuse.

On the 20th, Governor Lee posted on Facebook under the title "Respect dedication but clarify responsibility," stating, "Since May 13, Gyeonggi Province has begun a special inspection of 'Nanum-ui Jip' in Gwangju, a nursing facility for grandmothers who were victims of Japanese military sexual slavery, and discovered multiple violations of laws."

He first pointed out, "There were cases of non-compliance with local contract laws during the expansion construction of Nanum-ui Jip."

Governor Lee cited representative examples such as ▲bidding conducted through their own website instead of the national public procurement system (Nara Marketplace) ▲announcement dates recorded only by year and month, making it impossible to verify compliance with the announcement period ▲failure to disqualify companies without licenses ▲multiple private contracts signed with specific companies despite private contracts being prohibited.

He also added, "There were inappropriate aspects in the management and operation of donation funds," explaining, "Salaries were paid to subsidiary institution employees with no attendance records, the CEO's health insurance premiums, which should have been self-paid, were paid from donation funds, and undesignated donations were spent on facility construction or land acquisition."

Furthermore, he pointed out, "There was inadequate and poor management such as not distinguishing between donation-only accounts and corporate operation accounts, and keeping cash donations in desk drawers."

In particular, he revealed, "An investigation into elder abuse was also conducted, and based on the investigation results and consultation with the Elder Protection Agency, it was judged to be a potential case."

Accordingly, Gyeonggi Province plans to first impose administrative measures, then form a special investigation team under the Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police to begin a full-scale investigation. Additionally, they will establish a cooperative system with the police to accurately uncover the truth and hold responsible parties accountable.

Governor Lee emphasized, "The pioneering efforts made for the grandmothers of Nanum-ui Jip when no one else stepped forward should be fully respected," and added, "No matter how noble the cause, laws and principles must be upheld."

However, he expressed hope, saying, "The cause and dedication should not be denied or disparaged due to some mistakes revealed this time," and "I hope this incident will serve as an opportunity for the improvement and development of Nanum-ui Jip."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.