Kim Eun-hye: "LH, 2,898 People Illegally Claimed Travel Expenses Over 3 Months"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) is facing public criticism over indiscriminate real estate speculation allegations by its executives and employees, and now a controversy over false travel expense claims has emerged.

Kim Eun-hye, a member of the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee (People Power Party), stated, "According to the 'LH Executives and Employees Travel Expense Fraud Self-Investigation Results (Audit Office)' conducted from March to May 2020, when Byeon Chang-heum was the LH president, 2,898 employees fraudulently claimed travel expenses during that period," adding, "The amount of travel expenses fraudulently received by these employees during that period reached 492.28 million KRW."

Kim continued, "This fraudulent travel expense investigation only covered a three-month period in the first half of last year, showing that about one in three employees engaged in fake business trips within a short time, indicating serious disciplinary laxity," and added, "Such a culture of tolerance for misconduct ultimately triggered the 3rd New Town speculation allegations involving LH executives and employees."

Furthermore, she pointed out, "The bigger problem is that the investigation was conducted only on travel records for three months," and noted, "If calculated annually or cumulatively, it is highly likely that much more fraudulent claims have been continuously committed."

Kim especially emphasized, "LH took no personnel actions after recovering the fraudulently claimed travel expenses," and added, "According to the audit office's investigation plan from April last year, when Minister Byeon Chang-heum was serving as LH president, it was clearly stated that upon confirmation of fraudulent trips, the fraudulently received amounts would be recovered and personnel measures would be taken, but no personnel actions were taken against nearly 3,000 employees."

Kim said, "LH, which monopolizes development information, should be equipped with a stronger public mindset and internal discipline than any other public institution, but loose internal controls and lenient punishments have caused a tax feast for public officials," and promised, "We will promptly prepare legislative measures to restore and inspect the audit function."

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