Seongnam City Files CIO Complaint Against Prosecution Over "Daejang-dong Appeal Withdrawal"

"Impossible to Recover 207 Billion Won... Accusations of Dereliction of Duty"
City and Seongnam Urban Development Corporation to File Complaints with Prosecution and CIO
Plans to Increase Compensation Claim to Over 510 Billion Won

Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province has strongly objected to the prosecution's decision to forgo an appeal regarding the first trial verdict in the Daejang-dong development corruption case, announcing legal action such as filing complaints against those involved with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).

Seongnam City Hall exterior. Provided by Seongnam City

On November 11, Seongnam City issued a statement criticizing the prosecution’s decision not to appeal, calling it a move that abandons the state's right to punish “corruption crimes stemming from long-standing collusive relationships” and effectively grants impunity.

The city argued that by giving up the appeal, the opportunity to recover property losses amounting to several hundred billion won for Seongnam citizens has disappeared. Seongnam City pointed out that the prosecution failed to recover the full 207 billion won in breach of trust damages and decided not to appeal, which it considers problematic.

The city stated that the prosecution’s decision constitutes a dereliction of duty in protecting the property rights of Seongnam citizens. Accordingly, Seongnam City is filing a complaint with the CIO for “neglect of duty” and “abuse of authority,” while Seongnam Urban Development Corporation is preparing a lawsuit.

Additionally, the city plans to increase the damages claimed in the ongoing compensation lawsuit from the previous 207 billion won to over 510 billion won, based on the prosecution’s own estimates. This reflects the losses calculated during the prosecution’s investigation.

Previously, Seongnam Mayor Shin Sangjin stated, “If the amount recoverable decreases due to the prosecution’s decision not to appeal, the damage to citizens will inevitably grow,” adding, “As a public institution, we are reviewing all possible legal measures.”

Meanwhile, the prosecution’s decision to forgo an appeal in the Daejang-dong case has been described as unusual even within the prosecution itself, leading to collective backlash. The controversy is growing, with reports that Acting Prosecutor General Noh Manseok is on leave and considering his position.