Kim Jaeseop Alleges "Jung Wonoh Family's Farmland Speculation"... Jung's Side Denies Claims as Groundless Attack

"Acquired in 2000... Subject to the Farmland Act"

"Clear Case of Asset Accumulation"

Jung's Camp: "Irresponsible Smear Campaign Has Gone Too Far"

On March 8, Assemblyman Kim Jaeseop of the People Power Party raised allegations that the family of Jung Won-oh, former Mayor of Seongdong District and a preliminary candidate for Seoul mayor from the Democratic Party, has illegally owned approximately 22,489 square meters (about 6,800 pyeong) of farmland near Yeosu, South Jeolla Province since 2000.

On this day, Assemblyman Kim posted on his Facebook account, stating, "Now I understand why Candidate Jung is particularly sensitive about his farmland speculation issue," adding, "It's because he is, in fact, the privileged son of a land-rich family."

Previously, Assemblyman Kim had raised issues regarding Mayor Jung acquiring farmland at the age of 0 and 2, and now appears to be intending to make the issue of Jung's farmland ownership a focal point in the June 3 local elections. Earlier, President Lee Jaemyung stated that "farmland has become a target for speculation," and instructed the government to conduct a full-scale investigation and consider compulsory sales if necessary.

Kim Jaeseop, a member of the People Power Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on December 11, 2024, expressing his support for the impeachment motion against President Yoon Sukyeol. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Assemblyman Kim said, "His excuse that his own farmland speculation is not a violation of the current Farmland Act because he acquired it before 1996 does not apply to this 6,800-pyeong farmland," and added, "These plots were acquired in 2000 and are therefore subject to the strict enforcement of the current Farmland Act."

He also stated, "One of the plots was transferred from his mother to his younger brother, and its classification was even changed to 'miscellaneous land' in 2020, increasing its asset value." He continued, "The price of this farmland, which was around 6,000 won per pyeong at the time of acquisition, has soared more than 30 times and now approaches 200,000 won per pyeong."

In particular, Assemblyman Kim raised suspicions of speculation by saying, "Local residents testify that Candidate Jung's family has already stopped farming due to health reasons." Kim emphasized, "Holding large-scale farmland without farming and hoping for capital gains is the very type of speculative farmland ownership that President Lee has pinpointed as a target for eradication." He added, "It turns out that Candidate Jung is indeed the privileged son of a land-rich family."

Assemblyman Kim further stated, "Is it not embarrassing that the son of a landlord with such strong farmland speculation allegations is representing the Democratic Party?" He continued, "His earlier explanation that the farmland was 'soaked with the sweat of his parents' now seems painfully self-serving. Stop selling your parents' honor and start by selling off the vast farmland owned by your own family."

Assemblyman Kim proposed, "I recommend that the farmland owned by Candidate Jung's family be designated as the first subject of a comprehensive farmland survey by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs," and added, "If any illegal activity is found, the possibility of criminal penalties must be strictly considered."

In response, a spokesperson for Candidate Jung's campaign criticized, "Assemblyman Kim's irresponsible smear campaign has gone too far." The spokesperson explained, "The farmland mentioned by Assemblyman Kim is not owned by the candidate," and clarified, "It is the legal property of his younger brother and mother, who have lived in the area for decades and have actually farmed the land."

The spokesperson further stated, "This attack is merely an admission that he has no confidence to compete based on policies and achievements," emphasizing, "Even if he serves as Mayor Oh Sehoon's proxy and resorts to slander and smear campaigns, it cannot hide the citizens' fatigue with the past 10 years of city administration and their desire for change." The spokesperson concluded, "We will never overlook baseless false claims and defamation targeting the family," and added, "In addition to the ongoing legal action, we will hold those responsible fully accountable for this matter as well."

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