[On-site Video] "Proper Investigation Needed" Hwacheon Daeyu's '18 Million KRW Monthly Salary'... Citizens Express Outrage

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "I think an investigation is necessary." , "What kind of salary is an annual salary?"

As claims have emerged that the average monthly salary of employees at Hwacheon Daeyu, the real estate development operator of Daejang-dong, reached 18 million won last year, citizens' feelings of frustration are growing.

According to an analysis of Hwacheon Daeyu's health insurance premium payments and number of subscribers data received from the National Health Insurance Corporation by Go Min-jeong, a member of the National Assembly's Welfare Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 29th of last month, the average monthly salary per Hwacheon Daeyu employee has increased 3.6 times over the past five years.

This was calculated by dividing Hwacheon Daeyu's health insurance premium payments by the number of employees (subscribers), and is an estimate made by applying a simple '1/N' division without considering ranks or other factors.

The average monthly salary per person rose year by year: 4.99 million won in 2015, 5.32 million won in 2016, 5.91 million won in 2017, then jumped to 8.09 million won in 2018, 13.46 million won in 2019, and 18.04 million won last year.

Citizens expressed disbelief. Citizen A (22), met in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, said, "If Hwacheon Daeyu benefited, an investigation should naturally be conducted," adding, "I think there must be something unfair." He also pointed out, "I don't think the company could suddenly gain so much profit, so I suspect there might be something behind it."

Another citizen B (30) said, "Since this is a high income for an ordinary worker, we need to see what kind of work they do to justify the money," and raised his voice, "If an investigation is necessary, that part should be investigated."

Regarding the need for an investigation into Hwacheon Daeyu, he said, "Of course, the presidential election is not far off, so either a special prosecutor should quickly investigate... Since the prosecution is currently investigating, I think the prosecution should immediately present the results."

Meanwhile, on the previous day (the 2nd), Kwak Sang-do, an independent (former People Power Party) lawmaker who became controversial for his son receiving 5 billion won from Hwacheon Daeyu, resigned from his National Assembly seat. Kwak urged a special prosecutor investigation, saying that misunderstandings would be cleared up if an investigation is conducted.

At the same time, Kwak targeted Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung. He said, "The person who designed such a big project and made it possible to earn this much money is ultimately the current presidential candidate, right? I think a thorough investigation is necessary regarding that part."