First Gyeongnam Province Audit in Three Years Marked by Heated Debate Over "Myung Taegyun Allegations"

On the 28th, the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee conducted a national audit of Gyeongsangnam-do at the provincial administration conference room of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office.

This year's audit of Gyeongnam Province, held for the first time in three years, was dominated by controversies related to Myung Taegyun, who is currently on trial over allegations of involvement in candidate nominations.

Lawmakers from the Democratic Party and the Basic Income Party questioned Mr. Myung, who appeared as a witness at the audit, based on his statements and media reports. They pressed him on allegations such as lobbying for his brother-in-law's employment at the Nammyunghaksa dormitory, discussions over the designation of land for the Changwon No. 2 National Industrial Complex, and suspicions regarding former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife's involvement in candidate nominations.

The National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of Gyeongnam Province is being held at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office's provincial administration meeting room. Photo by Lee Seryung

Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Bunam pointed out, "Mr. Myung's brother-in-law had neither experience working at a dormitory nor relevant certifications, yet received the highest scores in both the document screening and interview stages. Anyone can see that, under the direction of an aide, Gyeongnam Province custom-hired Mr. Myung's brother-in-law."

He continued, "If these claims are untrue, Governor Park should either file a criminal complaint against the aide for obstruction of work, or take responsibility himself."

Governor Park responded, "It was confirmed through the audit that the recruitment at Nammyunghaksa was conducted by a professional recruitment agency and followed a fair process."

He added, "The work at Nammyunghaksa is not a state-subsidized project and is therefore not subject to the national audit. The Democratic Party has already filed a complaint, and the matter is under investigation by judicial authorities, possibly even heading toward a special prosecutor. Bringing this up here is clearly a political attempt to disparage me."

He also said, "I cannot understand why such matters are being discussed at the national audit."

Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Bunam is questioning Governor Park Wansu at the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of Gyeongsangnam-do. Photo by Lee Seryung

Assemblyman Yang drew a line, saying, "We are asking these questions because they are necessary for the audit," and pressed further, asking whether Governor Park met former President Yoon Suk-yeol during his summer vacation on Jeodo Island, received a promise for re-nomination in the local elections, and pledged loyalty.

Governor Park replied, "I never received any promise of nomination. Please stick to the facts."

When Assemblyman Yang asked, "If these are fake news reports, shouldn't you request corrections?" Governor Park answered, "If I were to file complaints about every false report, I would have to file hundreds or thousands of them. I have already requested corrections for numerous false reports related to Mr. Myung."

When asked, "Did you not receive a call from First Lady Kim Keon-hee asking you to help former prosecutor Kim Sangmin?" he emphasized, "I have never spoken to Mrs. Kim on the phone, nor have I been involved in the local elections."

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is responding to questions at the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's national audit of Gyeongnam Province. Photo by Lee Seryeong

As voices were raised over the continued allegations involving Myung Taegyun, Seo Beomju, a lawmaker from the People Power Party and the chief auditor, intervened, saying, "Today’s session is a national audit of Gyeongnam Province, a sacred occasion to discuss both past issues and future directions for the provincial administration."

Assemblyman Seo told Governor Park, "Although you say that local government duties, delegated tasks, and organizational work are not subject to the national audit, it is not possible to draw such a clear line. Please address matters related to your work with humility."

He also urged the lawmakers, "This is not a hearing for Mr. Myung as a witness, nor is it a place to scrutinize Governor Park’s personal matters. Out of respect for the citizens who elected the governor, please focus on matters of provincial administration and refrain from turning this into a venue for personal attacks or political strife."

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province and Mr. Myung Taegyun attended the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's national audit of Gyeongnam Province. Photo by Lee Seryeong

Nevertheless, Democratic Party lawmakers such as Lee Sangsik and Basic Income Party lawmaker Yong Hyein repeatedly raised questions about Mr. Myung, prompting Governor Park to protest, "Are you conducting an investigation right now?"

He also expressed his discomfort, saying, "I intended to provide detailed explanations and answers regarding provincial policies, but all that is being discussed is Myung Taegyun."

In response, lawmakers from the Democratic Party and the Basic Income Party took issue with Governor Park’s attitude as the audited official.

They argued, "This is an opportunity to verify whether the governor has faithfully fulfilled his duties or committed any violations," and raised their voices, saying, "Are you only answering questions that suit you?"

Lawmakers from the People Power Party countered, "The national audit is not a venue for personal attacks against the governor," and defended Governor Park, saying, "There does not appear to be any problem with his attitude."