Prosecution summons Yuhan-gi over 'bribery and urging Hwang Mu-seong's resignation'

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] The prosecution investigating allegations of preferential treatment and lobbying in the Daejang-dong development project in Seongnam City has summoned Yuhan-gi, former head of the Development Business Division at Seongnam Urban Development Corporation (currently president of Pocheon Urban Corporation).

According to the legal community on the 1st, the dedicated investigation team at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim Tae-hoon) called Yuhan-gi in the afternoon as a suspect and is currently conducting an investigation.

Earlier, during the investigation of Kim Man-bae, major shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu, lawyer Nam Wook, owner of Cheonhwa Dongin No. 4, and accountant Jeong Young-hak, owner of Cheonhwa Dongin No. 5, the team secured testimony that they handed 200 million won to Yuhan-gi under the pretext of lobbying the Hangang River Basin Environmental Office. The investigation team views this fund as a bribe to request that the environmental impact assessment of the Daejang-dong development project proceed smoothly.

In particular, Yuhan-gi is already under investigation as a key figure who pressured Hwang Mu-seong, the first president of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation, to resign. In a recorded conversation submitted by former President Hwang, Yuhan-gi repeatedly mentioned former Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung (currently the Democratic Party presidential candidate) and Jeong Jin-sang, former Seongnam City Policy Director and close aide (currently Deputy Secretary-General of the Democratic Party’s election campaign office), urging Hwang to submit his resignation.

However, Yuhan-gi has consistently denied the allegations of bribery, stating they are "completely untrue," and regarding the allegations of forcing Hwang’s resignation, he explained, "During his tenure, President Hwang was indicted and on trial for a fraud case, which he did not disclose to the corporation," adding, "Considering the reputation of both the corporation and President Hwang, I recommended his resignation."