Civilian Control Zone... Myeong Taegyun Spotted at Changwon City Disaster Situation Room During Typhoon

It has been confirmed that Mr. Myeong Taegyun, a key figure in the allegation of interference in the nomination process involving President Yoon Seok-yeol and his wife, accessed the Changwon City Disaster Comprehensive Situation Room, a restricted area for civilians, during the landfall of Typhoon ‘Hinnamnor’ in September 2022. On the 2nd, Seoul Shinmun reported, citing a press release posted on the Changwon City Hall website, that around 5:51 a.m. on September 6, 2022, a photo showed Mr. Myeong standing in the situation room alongside Congressman Kim Youngseon, Mayor Hong Nampyo of Changwon, and other officials.

In the early morning of September 6, 2022, when Typhoon Hin Namno made landfall in Changwon, Mr. Myeong Taegyun visited the Changwon City Disaster Control Center with former lawmaker Kim Youngseon to inspect the damage situation. Mr. Myeong is suspected of intervening in various aspects of Changwon city administration under the title of "General Headquarters Chief." December 2, 2024. Changwon City Hall website

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Other aides of Congressman Kim were also present that day. The Changwon City Disaster Comprehensive Situation Room strictly controls civilian access. Even relevant officials must verify their fingerprints to enter. At that time, Mr. Myeong reportedly reviewed the typhoon damage situation together with Congressman Kim. A Changwon city official stated, "Mr. Myeong carried a business card identifying him as the Chief Director of Congressman Kim’s office, so Changwon city officials believed he was an official aide," adding, "Moreover, since he came with Congressman Kim Youngseon, how could we have denied him entry?"

Earlier, the Democratic Party’s Changwon City Council members revealed evidence on the 19th of last month showing Mr. Myeong’s involvement in the April 2023 revision project of the Changwon City District Unit Plan, following allegations of his interference in the selection process of Changwon’s 2nd National Industrial Complex. It was understood that four city officials, including the Director of the Urban Policy Bureau, the Head of Urban Planning, the Team Leader of the District Unit, and one other, visited the office of Congressman Kim Youngseon in Jung-dong, Uichang-gu, on a business trip and held a meeting with Mr. Myeong regarding the 'Revision of the Changwon Hinterland City District Unit Plan.' Mr. Myeong is suspected of exerting influence by presenting himself as the 'Chief Director of Congressman Kim Youngseon’s Office,' sharing sensitive Changwon city administration issues, and offering opinions.

Meanwhile, the Changwon District Prosecutors’ Office’s dedicated investigation team (led by Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee Jihyung) is reportedly planning to indict Mr. Myeong and former Congressman Kim together on charges of violating the Political Funds Act on the 3rd. Separately, investigations will continue into allegations of public opinion manipulation and interference in the selection of the Changwon National Industrial Complex.

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