Yoo Seung-min: "Cancellation of National Projects Due to Opposition's Suspicion? An Unimaginable Solution"

"Not just the opposition, even ordinary citizens have reason to raise suspicions"
"Won Hee-ryong, politically emerging by holding the people hostage"

Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min expressed doubt over Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong's decision to scrap the Seoul-Yangpyeong highway project amid allegations of preferential treatment involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee's family, saying, "If the allegations are fake news, why cancel the project?"

On the 6th, Yoo said on KBS Radio's 'Joo Jin-woo Live,' "I was surprised to hear the minister's remarks today. I don't understand why the minister suddenly got angry and responded impulsively and emotionally."

Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min is speaking at the Asia Forum 21, a gathering of Daegu and Gyeongbuk journalists, held at Daegu Art Park on the morning of the 11th. 2023.1.11 [Photo by Yonhap News]

Yoo added, "This is a matter where the truth should be revealed and solutions proposed based on the truth. If the Democratic Party created fake news, those who made it should take responsibility going forward, but why is this administration refusing to do so?"

He continued, "National projects are undertaken because they are necessary for the country. If the opposition party raises suspicions about national projects like this in the future, will they just cancel them? Many local residents, Seoul citizens, and Gyeonggi Province residents use this highway. Are they politically holding the actual users hostage?"

He also said, "I was very shocked because I never imagined such a solution of simply canceling and scrapping the project would come out so suddenly."

Regarding the Democratic Party's allegations, Yoo said, "This is an issue that not only the opposition but also ordinary citizens with common sense can raise suspicions about. The Seoul-Yangpyeong highway has long been a long-cherished project for local residents, and it was only recently included in the Ministry of Land's basic plan and barely passed the preliminary feasibility study two years ago. However, after passing the feasibility study, the route was changed, which is a very unusual occurrence."

He added, "So naturally, questions can be raised about why the route was changed. If the changed route is valid, then proceed with the change; if not, proceed with the original plan. But the Yoon Seok-yeol administration decided not to proceed and canceled the project."

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