Assemblyman Heo Jong-sik Claims "Blueprint Leak Before Announcement of Gyeyang New Town"... Urges Investigation of Service Company

2018 Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's 'Plan to Expand Housing Supply in the Metropolitan Area'
[Provided by Representative Heo Jong-sik's Office]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Allegations have been raised that the blueprint for the planned Incheon Gyeyang Technovalley site was leaked before the official announcement of the 3rd New Town. In this regard, there are calls for management measures regarding the service companies involved in public development projects.

On the 18th, Heo Jongsik, a member of the Democratic Party representing Incheon Dong-gu Michuhol Gap, stated in a press release, "It has been confirmed that the blueprint for the 3rd New Town site was marked in the 'Plan to Expand Housing Supply in the Metropolitan Area' announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in 2018," adding, "An investigation should be conducted not only on public officials but also on the service companies involved in the development planning."

The material pointed out by Representative Heo was distributed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on September 21, 2018, and on page 25, the new residential land location map of Incheon Geomam Station area included the phrase "Gyeyang Technovalley (planned 2,388㎡)" along with the project site division.

Considering that Gyeyang Technovalley was announced as part of the 3rd New Town on December 19, 2018, Representative Heo argued that the blueprint was leaked externally three months before the official announcement, fueling speculation.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport explained the prior leak of the blueprint as "a mistake by the service company."

At the time of the announcement in September 2018, they also stated, "(The location of Gyeyang Technovalley) was indicated as a reference to show the business conditions such as housing demand in the Incheon Geomam Station area," and "The Gyeyang Technovalley project is included in the election pledges of the President, the Mayor of Incheon, and members of the National Assembly, and the location and area have already been disclosed."

However, concerns have been raised that during the development planning process for residential land development projects, the service company should prevent the possibility of speculation using internal government information.

Democratic Party of Korea Representative Heo Jong-sik

Representative Heo emphasized, "Although service companies sign confidentiality agreements prohibiting external leaks, they cannot completely prevent the possibility of speculation," adding, "It is necessary to investigate whether employees of the service companies speculated using internal information, and institutional measures such as ethical regulations and audits should be established."

On the same day, during the comprehensive policy questioning at the Budget and Accounts Committee, Representative Heo asked Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, "Are you willing to conduct a full investigation including private service companies and advisory groups involved in development projects, government departments related to residential land development, Blue House officials, and their families?"

In response, Prime Minister Chung said, "Regarding the LH scandal, the government will thoroughly investigate and prosecute without exception government agencies, public institutions, and private companies, report the results to the public, and strictly hold those responsible accountable."

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