Jeonnam Research Institute Faces Loss of 3 Billion KRW Deposit... President's "Difficult to Recover" Remark Sparks Controversy

Assemblyman Jeon Kyungseon Criticizes "Avoiding Responsibility While Operating with Residents' Tax Money"
Uncertainty Over Recovery of 3 Billion KRW Out of 4.6 Billion KRW Deposit for Naju Leased Building

The Jeonnam Research Institute has faced criticism for its complacent response despite the uncertainty surrounding the recovery of a lease deposit amounting to 3 billion KRW.

On November 11, Jeon Kyungseon, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Planning and Administration Committee (Democratic Party of Korea, Mokpo District 5), strongly reproached Kim Youngsun, President of the Jeonnam Research Institute, for his management plan and attitude regarding the deposit during the administrative audit of the institute.

Jeon Kyungseon, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

According to Assemblyman Jeon, the Jeonnam Research Institute paid a total deposit of 4.6 billion KRW for leasing the 7th and 8th floors of a building in Naju Innovation City from 2016 to 2024.

However, after the building's owner went bankrupt and became involved in a fraudulent sales case, the recovery of approximately 3 billion KRW of the deposit has become virtually uncertain. The building is currently undergoing auction proceedings.

During the audit, Assemblyman Kim Seongil (Democratic Party of Korea, Mokpo District 1) inquired about the situation, to which Kim Youngsun, President of the Jeonnam Research Institute, responded, "We believe it will be difficult to recover the entire deposit."

In response, Assemblyman Jeon Kyungseon sharply criticized, "Despite this issue having already been pointed out during the provincial government inquiry in September, the same irresponsible answers are being repeated," adding, "Such an attitude betrays the trust of the residents."

Assemblyman Jeon urged, "The head of a public institution must demonstrate a responsible attitude in managing residents' tax money," and emphasized, "Measures must be put in place not only to address the deposit recovery issue, but also to restore trust in the overall operation of the institution."