Jeong Se-kyun on Controversy Over Involvement in Hwaseong Housing Development: "It's Truly Outrageous"

Prime Minister nominee Jeong Sye-gyun is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 8th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Jeon Jinyoung] On the second day of the confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Chung Sye-kyun on the 8th, the opposition party focused on allegations of Chung's involvement in the Dongtan housing development project. Chung categorically denied the allegations, saying, "This is truly outrageous."

Kim Sang-hoon, a member of the Liberty Korea Party, questioned Chung's involvement during the morning session of the hearing, stating, "The Board of Audit and Inspection revealed that Hwaseong Urban Corporation provided preferential land supply to Chung's close associate, former lawmaker Shin Jang-yong," pressing for clarification on Chung's involvement.

Previously, Kim had also claimed that Chung influenced the appointment of the president of Hwaseong Urban Corporation and the private contracts for land through his friendship with former lawmaker Shin.

Kim presented a photo showing Chung sitting alongside Hwaseong city officials and construction contractors at a sports facility in Hwaseong, saying, "According to the audit report, this series of actions should be subject to legal prosecution."

Kim added, "Some Democratic Party lawmakers say that former lawmaker Shin Jang-yong's nomination for the 19th general election in Suwon Gwonseon was effectively granted by Chung," and argued, "Chung's close associates may have used him."

In response, Chung said, "The photo presented by Congressman Kim is dated June 1, 2017, but this development project was initiated in 2015." He added, "I was not in a position to influence the 19th nomination, nor could I grant nominations to anyone," and clarified, "I made nominations as party leader during the local elections."

He expressed frustration, saying, "This is truly outrageous," and "I wonder why I have to spend this precious time like this, why I have to listen to these accusations, and whether this is really a matter for verification."

The ruling party also defended Chung. Shin Dong-geun, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said, "At that time, the nominee was an opposition lawmaker and a member of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, so he was not in a position to exert influence," and added, "It is unacceptable to carry out indiscriminate character assassination based on delusions that Chung was involved."

Kim Young-ho, another Democratic Party lawmaker, supported this, saying, "Yesterday, Congressman Kim Sang-hoon mentioned corruption among close associates and speculated that illegal funds might have flowed to the nominee, which was a great insult to him," and added, "Continuing such remarks today is an excessive political attack."