Democratic Party Pushes for State Audit on Presidential Residence Private Contract Allegations

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to push for a 'parliamentary investigation' regarding allegations of private contract awards related to the presidential residence. There are also calls to promptly appoint a 'Special Inspector' if the Yoon Seok-yeol administration refuses to acknowledge the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (Gongsoocheo).

On the 4th, Park Hong-geun, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated during the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly, "A parliamentary-level fact-finding investigation into the illegal corruption allegations surrounding the relocation of the Yongsan Presidential Office has become inevitable," adding, "Although allegations of private contract awards involving First Lady Kim Geon-hee related to the presidential office and residence construction have continued to surface, the presidential office's explanations have been either irrelevant answers or silent."

After the meeting, Oh Young-hwan, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, said, "Since credible suspicions have been raised regarding private contract awards, this issue should not end as mere allegations. It is a matter of public concern, has been ongoing for a long time, and the content is serious, so we will demand a parliamentary investigation." He added, "We are currently reviewing preparations for this."

In addition to the parliamentary investigation, there were calls to hold an Operations Committee meeting, which is the standing committee overseeing the presidential office, to ascertain the facts. Floor leader Park urged, "The ruling People Power Party should no longer avoid convening the National Assembly Operations Committee," and "We ask for responsible participation not only in investigating the private contract award allegations related to the office and residence construction but also in rectifying the overall operation of the presidential office."

Regarding allegations involving close associates of the president, voices were raised that if the Gongsoocheo is not utilized, at least a Special Inspector should be appointed. Kim Seong-hwan, chairman of the Democratic Party's Policy Committee, appeared on KBS Radio's Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs program and said, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration does not acknowledge the Gongsoocheo," adding, "In that case, it is appropriate to have a Public Official Inspector who can monitor and supervise relatives."

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