[2022 National Audit] Even When Seoul Maintenance Project Corruption Is Detected... 4 out of 5 Cases Not Prosecuted

Seoul City and Ministry of Land Request 76 Investigations Over 6 Years
42 of 54 Completed Cases Not Prosecuted
Choi In-ho: "Legal Revisions Needed to Strengthen Supervision and Punishment"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] It has been revealed that even when Seoul City detects violations at redevelopment and reconstruction project sites, 4 out of 5 cases are not prosecuted.

According to the '2016-2022 Joint Inspection Results of Seoul Redevelopment and Reconstruction Project Sites' received by Choi In-ho, a member of the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, Seoul City detected 603 violations at 30 project sites over the past six years through joint inspections with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Of the 603 violations, 369 cases (61%) were detected at reconstruction sites, while the rest were from redevelopment sites.

The city requested investigations for 76 of these cases, with 42 from redevelopment sites and 34 from reconstruction sites. By project site, Dongdaemun-gu Imun 3 District redevelopment had the highest number with 7 cases. This was followed by ▲ Eunpyeong-gu Susaek 6 District redevelopment with 6 cases (under investigation) ▲ Jung-gu Sindang 8 District redevelopment with 5 cases ▲ Eunpyeong-gu Daejo 1 District redevelopment with 4 cases (under investigation) ▲ Dongjak-gu Heukseok 9 District redevelopment with 4 cases ▲ Gangdong-gu Dunchon Jugong reconstruction with 4 cases (under investigation) ▲ Seocho-gu Seocho Shindong-A reconstruction with 4 cases.

Of the 76 cases requested for investigation, 54 have been completed. Among these, only 12 cases, or 22%, were prosecuted after charges were recognized, while the remaining 42 cases were dismissed due to lack of evidence. The prosecuted project sites included Hannam 3 District (2 cases), Myeonmok 3 District (2 cases), and a total of 5 redevelopment sites including Jangwi 6 District, Sindang 8 District, and Banpo 1 District, totaling 7 cases. Reconstruction sites included 5 locations: Sinbanpo 4 District, Gaepo Jugong 1 Complex, Cheongdam Samik, Miseong Clover, and Sang-A 2nd Complex.

Assemblyman Choi said, "Even when violations are detected through inspections and investigations are requested, only 1 out of 5 cases results in prosecution and punishment," adding, "The Urban Maintenance Act should be amended to strengthen the supervision and punishment by licensing authorities."

In response, Seoul City explained, "We request thorough investigations and strict measures from the competent investigative agencies," and added, "We will not only strengthen inspections of associations but also ensure thorough prevention of association corruption through prompt support for maintenance projects."

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