‘Gwangju Building Collapse’ Former 5·18 Group Leader Suspected of Involvement in Redevelopment Project Flees Abroad

Former 5·18 Detained and Injured Association Chairman Moon Heung-sik to Depart for the U.S. on the 13th

Police Focus on Arrest Warrant Application and Interpol Cooperation for Detention

Mun Heung-sik, Former President of the 5.18 Detained and Injured Victims Association

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] It has been reported that a former 5·18 organization leader with a background in organized crime, who is suspected of being involved in the redevelopment project related to the collapse of a demolished building in Gwangju redevelopment area that caused 17 casualties, fled overseas two days ago.

According to the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency on the 15th, the police have booked Moon Heung-sik, a former 5·18 Detained and Injured Association chairman with ties to organized crime, as a suspect on suspicion of involvement in illegal subcontracting during the redevelopment project of Hakdong 4 District in Dong-gu.

The police confirmed that Moon left for the United States two days ago on the 13th. This was at a time when rumors were spreading that a person with a background in organized crime was involved in the redevelopment project.

Moon has long been suspected of interfering in various interests centered around Hakdong in Dong-gu. In 2007, he established a company engaged in redevelopment services and agency work, entrusting its operation to his wife.

There are rumors circulating around Hakdong that he used this company to influence the selection of construction and demolition contractors.

The police plan to apply for an arrest warrant for Moon and focus on securing his custody in cooperation with Interpol and other agencies.