Audit official faces detention hearing over alleged illegal presidential residence audit

Yoo Byeong-ho, a member of the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI), is at a critical juncture as he faces a detention warrant hearing over allegations of abusing his authority. The charges stem from accusations that he illegally directed an audit concerning the relocation of the presidential residence during his tenure as Secretary-General.

Adding a significant layer to the case, Yoo has appointed Choe Jai-hyeong, the former Chairman of the BAI and a current member of the National Assembly, as his legal counsel. The Seoul Central District Court began the hearing on Thursday morning to review the warrant requested by the special prosecution team investigating remaining cases from the "3 special prosecutors." Yoo's detention status is expected to be decided later that night.

When questioned by reporters upon his arrival at the courthouse, Yoo remained silent regarding the specifics of his defense, his alleged involvement in a "cover-up audit," and the reasons for appointing Choe Jai-hyeong. Choe, who served as BAI Chairman under the previous administration before becoming a lawmaker with the People Power Party, is representing Yoo in the hearing.

The core of the allegations centers on Yoo's actions between 2022 and 2024. Prosecutors claim that while serving as Secretary-General, Yoo intentionally weakened an audit into "21 Gram," an interior design company that sponsored First Lady Kim Keon-hee's exhibition at Covana Contents. Instead of allowing auditors to conduct direct investigations, Yoo allegedly instructed them to proceed with written inquiries only, thereby facilitating a superficial review.

The special prosecution team formally requested an arrest warrant for Yoo on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of the exercise of rights on June 14th. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether Yoo will be detained pending further investigation.