▲ ‘Presidential Residence Relocation Favoritism Allegations’ 21gram Search and Seizure
The special prosecutor team led by Min Joong-ki, which is investigating various allegations against First Lady Kim Kun-hee, has launched a forced investigation to address the ‘presidential residence relocation favoritism allegations’.
The special prosecutor’s team is conducting a search and seizure today (the 6th) at seven locations, including Acro Vista, where former President Yoon Seok-yeol’s residence is located, and the 21gram office, among other related offices and residences.
The target of the search and seizure includes the office of Kobana Contents located in the underground shopping center of Acro Vista.
The Board of Audit and Inspection, which has been accused of conducting a negligent audit on the related issue, is reportedly not included in the search and seizure targets.
The favoritism allegations involved in the residence relocation revolve around 21gram, an interior company without a comprehensive construction industry license, allegedly receiving favorable treatment through a direct contract for the relocation and extension construction of the presidential office and residence following former President Yoon’s inauguration.
21gram is suspected of having secured the residence construction contract based on its connections with First Lady Kim, having sponsored exhibitions organized by Kobana Contents, which was run by Kim, and having undertaken the design and construction of the Kobana Contents office.
In October 2022, the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy claimed that government funds were wasted in the relocation of the presidential office and that government officials provided benefits to specific companies, subsequently requesting an audit from the Board of Audit and Inspection.
Last September, the Board of Audit and Inspection announced its findings that 21gram, which effectively managed the entire residence construction, began the work before even signing a contract and subcontracted the work to 15 unqualified companies, violating the Basic Construction Industry Act.
However, the board was criticized for conducting a negligent audit as it did not specify how 21gram was selected as the residence construction company.
Kim Oh-jin, the former Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, who was in charge of the practical affairs of the presidential residence relocation, testified to the Board of Audit and Inspection that companies were recommended through the Presidential Transition Committee and the Security Service, but he does not remember exactly who recommended 21gram.
The special prosecutor team is also looking into whether the Board of Audit and Inspection conducted a lenient audit regarding 21gram’s construction contract-awarding process.
(Photo=Yonhap News Agency)