[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] The 'Lee Jae-myung National Audit' that will heat up South Korea in 2021 has entered the final countdown.
On the 18th, ahead of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee audit of Gyeonggi Province and on the 20th, the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit, the newly built Gyeonggi Provincial Government building, where the audit venue is set up, is filled with a tense atmosphere as early winter weather arrives. Despite the cold weather on the holiday, provincial government employees are rushing to complete preparations to ensure the audit proceeds smoothly.
In particular, this year's audit is drawing more attention than ever as it is held after Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, was confirmed as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, and amid nationwide controversy over the Seongnam Daejang-dong public development issue.
As a result, there are concerns about whether the Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency audit, scheduled after the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of Gyeonggi Province on the same day, will be conducted properly.
Officials close to Governor Lee are somewhat tense about this audit but believe that given Lee's excellent coping skills demonstrated in previous audits, this audit will be a good opportunity to properly inform the public about the tangled truth of Daejang-dong, which has confused the people, along with promoting Gyeonggi Province's excellent policy achievements.
One official explained, "In 2014, as Mayor of Seongnam, Lee Jae-myung appeared as a witness regarding the Pangyo ventilation accident and overcame the crisis with his characteristic confidence and determination. His appearance was broadcast nationwide, elevating him to national prominence."
He added, "Since taking office as governor in 2018, Lee has faced numerous attacks from the opposition during audits over the past three years but has responded effectively, turning these into opportunities to raise his profile. We expect this year's audits by the Public Administration and Security Committee and the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee on Gyeonggi Province to conclude well."
Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Provincial Government employees continue to voice dissatisfaction regarding this audit.
An official said, "Although this issue arises every audit, national audits should be limited to national affairs and subsidy matters, but this audit is expected to become a hearing on Daejang-dong and Governor Lee Jae-myung," criticizing, "The requested documents from the National Assembly have already exceeded 4,000."
Meanwhile, Governor Lee plans to resign from his governorship at an appropriate time after this audit concludes and fully enter the presidential race.
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