'Daechung-dong Keyman' Nam Wook to Return Soon... "Discussed 35 Billion Won Lobbying" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] Nam Wook, a key figure in the Daejang-dong development preferential treatment allegations, mentioned that he heard from Kim Man-bae, the major shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu, that he would lobby 7 people with 5 billion KRW each, totaling 35 billion KRW. Nam is expected to return to Korea soon.

In an interview with JTBC on the 12th, Nam stated that Kim said the lobbying cost would be 35 billion KRW and told him and accountant Jung Young-hak to cover the expenses, which led to a dispute. Nam anticipated a major problem at that time.

He specifically said, "I understand that Yoo Dong-gyu, the head of Seongnam Urban Development, was the decision-maker," adding, "I do not know about the higher-ups, but I understand that Director Yoo ultimately decided on this project." Currently, Nam is reported to have recently hired lawyers from a major domestic law firm to prepare for the prosecution's investigation. This law firm represented Nam in the criminal case when he was detained in 2015 over lobbying allegations related to the Daejang-dong development.

Nam participated in the development project with Kim Man-bae, the major shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu. He is the actual owner of Cheonhwa Dongin No. 4, which invested in 'Seongnam's Garden,' having invested 87.21 million KRW and received dividends of about 100 billion KRW.

Earlier, the prosecution regarded Nam as a key figure in the current allegations and launched an investigation but failed to secure his custody. Consequently, on the 8th, the prosecution requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to invalidate his passport. The Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency also requested cooperation from Interpol on the 7th.

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