Korea Rail Network Authority Responds 'No Issues' in One Day
Following Faulty Review, Evidence of Falsified Documents Emerges
Jeong Jun-ho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Gwangju Buk-gu Gap, raised allegations of illegal activities and forged documents during the expansion of the pavilion at the Hannam-dong Presidential Residence at the National Railroad Corporation audit on the 11th. Jeong questioned the failure to properly follow procedures related to the railroad protection zone during consultations between the Presidential Office and Yongsan District Office, as well as the potential violation of the Railroad Safety Act.
During the audit, Jeong stated, “The Presidential Office reported to Yongsan District on May 24 to expand the pavilion within the Hannam-dong Presidential Residence, and Yongsan District requested a review from the Railroad Corporation, the competent authority. However, the corporation completed the review in just one day. This contrasts with the approximately two weeks it took to review the temporary structure within the residence in August,” he pointed out.
He continued, “This is a prime example of an imperial-style administrative process rarely seen in public institutions. Although the Railroad Safety Act stipulates thorough review of the safety impact of construction activities within railroad protection zones, the administrative process being completed in one day could constitute a serious legal violation,” he explained.
Jeong emphasized, “The review opinion dated May 24, 2024, includes drawings of a temporary structure (presumed to be a container) reviewed on September 3. The coexistence of drawings that are chronologically impossible allows for a reasonable presumption of ‘forged documents.’”
When Lee Seong-hae, Chairman of the National Railroad Corporation, consistently denied knowledge and tried to evade responsibility in response to these inquiries, Jeong criticized, “Since the pavilion expansion within the Presidential Residence is clearly stated in official documents as a reportable activity within the railroad protection zone, legal procedures were absolutely necessary. How could the chairman of the relevant institution be unaware of such a nationally important facility matter?”
Jeong also noted, “On May 29, President Yoon Seok-yeol was photographed touring the pavilion with the President of the United Arab Emirates, and the Presidential Office released this photo. This circumstance suggests that construction may have proceeded prior to approval.”
Meanwhile, Jeong lamented, “The powerless situation of the puppet administrative agencies protecting the Presidential Office is deplorable,” and urged, “A thorough investigation of the revealed allegations and accountability for those involved must be ensured.”
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