Ki Sung-yong Suspected of Speculation in Land Purchase Near Gwangju Private Park Special Project

Police Investigate for Violations of Farmland Act and Illegal Land Alterations

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] It has been confirmed that former national soccer team player Ki Sung-yong (Seoul FC) and his father, former Gwangju FC director Ki Young-ok, are under suspicion of speculation.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 22nd that player Ki and former Gwangju FC director Ki have been booked on charges including real estate speculation.

They are accused of violating the Farmland Act and illegal land alteration under the National Land Planning and Utilization Act.

During a wide-ranging investigation into real estate speculation, the Gwangju police reportedly obtained intelligence on the Ki father and son and began an investigation.

The police are said to be focusing on the allegation that they submitted a false agricultural management plan, which is mandatory when purchasing farmland in the Maruk-dong area of Seo-gu, Gwangju.

Additionally, they are conducting verification work, suspecting that illegal land alteration took place during this process.

The land in question is either included in or adjacent to the Maruk Park development site under the private park special project, raising suspicions of speculation.

On the 13th, Seo-gu, Gwangju also confirmed that the land was not being used as farmland but as a parking lot, and issued an order to restore it to its original state for violating the Farmland Act.

A Gwangju Police Agency official stated, “Currently, the father and son have only been booked, and since there are matters that need further verification, no summons investigation has been conducted yet,” adding, “We will review the case thoroughly.”