Allegations Mount Against Seocheon County Task Force Team
Private Contracts, Personnel Manipulation, and Entertainment Suspicions Spark Controversy
Controversy is brewing over the Seocheon Specialty Market restoration project being promoted by Seocheon County in South Chungcheong Province, as allegations have surfaced regarding the abuse of private contracts, favoritism toward specific companies, personnel manipulation, and suspicions of entertainment with alcohol.
According to a compilation of reports by
According to Kim, after the fire at Seocheon Specialty Market last year, the county established a task force (T/F) team within the Economic Promotion Division to oversee all stages of the project, from demolition to the installation of a temporary market, and then new construction.
The issue, Kim claims, is that most of the project was handled through private contracts rather than open bidding, and the companies that won these contracts are so-called "20-person, 2 billion won club" firms, referring to a network of local connections.
Kim further revealed, "From the formation of the T/F team to key positions, they were all filled by people from a specific group," and claimed, "There was tacit collusion among these lines not only in personnel appointments but also in budget execution."
He added, "There are widespread rumors that local companies are lining up in hopes of winning subcontracting for the new specialty market construction project, which is worth as much as 40 billion won."
Kim pointed out, "It is highly unusual for an engineering official, rather than an administrative official, to be appointed as the head of the Economic Policy Team," and noted, "There are open rumors internally that the department head has been bypassed and that decisions are being made according to the wishes of the director."
Regarding the temporary restroom contract worth 100 million won, Kim criticized, "Although it was said to have been processed legally through the national procurement system MASS, the county governor's approval was omitted," and argued, "They exploited the regulation allowing department heads to approve contracts below 100 million won, simply pushing things through without proper oversight."
Kim also stated, "There are even suspicions of entertainment with alcohol at entertainment bars around Naun-dong, but these are being thoroughly covered up," and claimed, "There have been various corrupt and illegal acts centered on the market merchants' association, but all of them have been swept under the rug."
He emphasized, "It's something that would make even a passing dog laugh," and continued, "Let's say these are just rumors. But if things are actually happening as the rumors suggest, wouldn't that be the truth?"
An official from the county audit team stated, "We are currently collecting relevant materials to ascertain the facts."
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