**Cover Story: Hyekyung Kang Speaks Out** – Deputy Mayor **J** of Changwon and Director **L** were reported to Myeong Tae-kyun, a figure without an official title… Business partner Kang, purchased a building in the area two months before the presidential announcement
Myeong Tae-kyun, a key figure in the alleged involvement of First Lady Kim Keon-hee in party nominations, reportedly played a significant role in the selection process for the new Changwon National Advanced Industrial Complex (Changwon National Industrial Complex), announced by President Yoon Suk-yeol during the 14th Emergency Economic and People’s Livelihood Meeting on March 15, 2023. It has been revealed that Myeong engaged deeply in the selection process, inviting high-ranking Changwon city officials to review confidential documents in October 2022, five months before the announcement. Testimonies indicate he personally guided a Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport inspection team in November of the same year.
Myeong was allegedly involved in real estate inspections of the industrial complex site with a business partner linked to a former National Assembly speaker and even relocated the equipment of the Future Korea Research Institute to a building within the newly designated complex area.
Myeong reportedly received confidential reports from Changwon city officials regarding the industrial complex, with documents outlining sensitive plans and site details. Former staff member and whistleblower Hyekyung Kang claims Myeong, despite holding no official position, received and acted on these reports.
Witnesses such as Kim Tae-yeol, who served as head of the Future Korea Research Institute, confirm that Myeong was involved in site inspections. Myeong’s business partner, identified as Kang, acquired a building on the proposed site, preceding the official announcement, according to property records obtained.
A grand-scale national project estimated to cost 1.4 trillion won was announced on March 15, with Changwon selected as a defense and nuclear fusion center. The development is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including over 52,000 jobs.
Despite Myeong’s claims of having no direct involvement, further testimonies and evidence suggest Myeong’s ambition for real estate development within the industrial complex, as implicated by his actions and connections revealed through various reports and statements.
As investigations by the Changwon District Prosecutor’s Office continue, those involved provide varied explanations about their roles and the unfolding circumstances.