Cheong Anti-Corruption Secretary "Gwangju Land Unrelated to Development Project... Prompt Disposal Discussions Underway"

Secretary Kim Gi-pyo's Controversy Over Purchasing Forest Land in Songjeong-dong, Gwangju... "Area Where Any Development Activity Is Impossible" Explanation

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Kim Gi-pyo, Secretary for Anti-Corruption at the Blue House, clarified that the purchase of forest land in Songjeong-dong, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, is unrelated to any development projects amid allegations of real estate speculation. However, Secretary Kim expressed regret over the controversy and announced plans to dispose of the land promptly.

Secretary Kim stated, "Some media outlets are raising suspicions that the land in question, being adjacent to the Gwangju Songjeong District, was acquired for speculative purposes such as profit from real estate development," and conveyed this explanation through Park Kyung-mi, spokesperson for the Blue House.

The view of Cheongwadae from Namsan, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Secretary Kim explained, "However, the land is located in an area where no development activities are permitted due to the Gwangju City Urban Planning Ordinance (no development allowed above 50 meters elevation), so even if roads are constructed, no development is possible, and it is completely unrelated to the Songjeong District development project."

He added, "At the time of acquiring the land, I was already aware of these facts, so it was not purchased for the purpose of land price increase through development," and claimed, "The land was acquired reluctantly at the request of an acquaintance who was in poor financial condition."

Secretary Kim said, "Nevertheless, regardless of the reasons, I deeply apologize for causing misunderstandings. We are currently in discussions to promptly dispose of all the relevant land in Gwangju. I will take appropriate measures in accordance with the duties of a public official and use this as an opportunity for reflection."

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