Kwon Seong-dong "O Se-hoon Naegok-dong Land Allegation... A Bold Man May Not Remember"

Kwon Seong-dong, member of the People Power Party. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jumi Lee] Amid ongoing criticism from the ruling party regarding Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon's explanation that "the land in Naegok-dong belongs to my wife's family, and I don't even know where it is," fellow People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong defended Oh by saying, "Men who take on big responsibilities and are bold don't remember such things."

On the 17th, during an appearance on KBS1's 'Sasa Geongeon,' Rep. Kwon stated, "(Oh probably knew about inheriting his wife's property because it was declared in asset registration, but) he might not know the exact location of the land," adding, "What kind of husband would be petty enough to be interested in the details of property inherited from his wife’s family? Knowing how much the land is worth or where it is located is something only petty people care about."

When the host asked, "Wouldn't he at least know that it is in Naegok-dong?" Kwon reiterated, "He probably knew it was in Naegok-dong, but how could he remember exactly where it is or how large the area is? Only petty people remember such details."

Regarding Oh’s earlier claim that the development of the Naegok-dong site was decided during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, which he later corrected due to confusion, Kwon countered, "Since he was not deeply involved in this matter, it is natural that he might not remember the details."

Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Rep. Kwon also criticized, "(The Naegok-dong land controversy) was already verified once when Oh Se-hoon became mayor 10 years ago," adding, "(The Democratic Party) has no proper material to attack opposition candidates in the Seoul mayoral election, so they are raising an issue now about a matter that was already settled 10 years ago."

Meanwhile, the ruling party has raised suspicions that Oh Se-hoon, who was mayor of Seoul at the time, may have exerted influence during the 2009 development of the Naegok-dong land owned by Oh’s wife’s family into a national rental housing complex.

In response, on the 16th, Oh posted on Facebook, "What is clear is that consultations regarding the designation of the district had been underway since before I took office as mayor in July 2006," and explained, "During the incorporation of the site into the public housing district, the Seoul city government only went through formal administrative procedures, and that was a matter decided by the Housing Bureau chief."

He also emphasized, "The Naegok-dong land was inherited by my wife and her family in 1970 and has been owned by them for a long time," adding, "At the time, I did not know about the existence or location of this land, and I still do not know its location."

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