‘Land speculation suspicion’ player Ki Sung-yong denies charges in police investigation... "I only sent money"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Former national soccer player Ki Sung-yong was investigated by the police regarding allegations of violating the Farmland Act and other charges.

The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Unit of the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 3rd that Ki was summoned and questioned on the afternoon of the 2nd on charges including violations of the Farmland Act and the National Land Planning and Utilization Act.

During the police investigation, Ki reportedly stated, "I only sent the money because my father said he needed it to build a soccer center," and "I had no knowledge of speculation."

The police plan to further verify account details and other evidence.

Earlier, on the 29th of last month, Ki's father, Ki Young-ok, was also questioned.

The Ki family purchased an area in Geumho-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, worth tens of billions of won between 2015 and 2016.

At that time, despite Ki being active as a soccer player in the United Kingdom, he prepared and submitted an agricultural plan, which is essential for acquiring farmland.

The agricultural plan includes a commitment to invest a specified number of days of personal labor, raising suspicions of false documentation and speculation.

Additionally, the local district office, which confirmed illegal land use changes, issued an order to restore the original state on the 13th of last month.

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