"Sudden 'Cancellation' of Yangpyeong Highway Amid Allegations of Special Privileges for Kim Geon-hee's Family"
"A Typical Case of Power Corruption Involving President's Relatives"
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the controversy over the route change of the 'Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway,' calling it "a typical case of power-type corruption involving the president's relatives" and "state corruption."
On the morning of the 10th, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Lee said, "I have seen many cases of state corruption so far, but this is the first time I have seen a national project suddenly moved without any explanation."
Lee said, "Even before, there was a justification and reconsideration of the decision, but (the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway route change controversy) shamelessly moved the route suddenly without any reason, and when problems were raised, they threw a tantrum saying they would cancel it," adding, "Is it acceptable to run the government in such a tantrum-like, playful manner?"
He emphasized, "Suspicion of preferential treatment between the president's side and the Yangpyeong Expressway is spreading," and "The core of this incident is very simple. The terminus, which was supposed to go to Yangseo-myeon, was suddenly moved to a place where the president's wife owns land."
He continued, "According to reports, right after President Yoon Seok-yeol took office, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport first proposed the route change to Yangpyeong County. They pushed it through without a public hearing," and said, "They tried to suddenly change a massive national project route, which had even completed a preliminary feasibility study, behind closed doors without any basis."
Lee pointed out again, "If the terminus is installed as the government intends, the president's wife, who owns an area equivalent to five soccer fields, will enjoy enormous development profits," calling it "state corruption."
He added, "There must be a swift investigation into the extent to which the presidential office and ministers were involved in the incident," and said, "They must immediately cancel the evasion of the incident and the passing of responsibility."
He said, "Should the people be held hostage to cover up corruption allegations?" and emphasized, "Stop further breaking of the president's campaign promises and promptly declare the original plan to stop the confusion."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
