Ex-Audit Official Called Yoon 'Boss,' Prosecutors Say; Arrested Over Relocation Audit

Special prosecutors have secured evidence, including memos written by former Audit Board Secretary General Yoo Byung-ho, suggesting he referred to former President Yoon Suk-yeol as 'the boss' and sought power to carry out his duties. Yoo was arrested on July 20 on charges of abuse of power related to allegedly suppressing an audit into the presidential office's relocation. The memos, reportedly written around May 2022, indicate Yoo believed the relocation was a significant decision and communicated his intent to handle the audit discreetly. Prosecutors suspect Yoo sought his promotion to Audit Board Secretary General in June 2022 based on these communications.

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We need the authority connected to the position to carry out the mission... deliver the facts to the boss.

Investigators also found that Yoo allegedly described the presidential office's relocation as 'the best decision since the Gyeongbu Expressway.' He is accused of contacting presidential office officials while a public audit was requested in October 2022, assuring them that the audit would be handled 'sensibly.' Subsequently, Yoo allegedly instructed subordinates to change a face-to-face investigation of a contractor, 21 Gram, to a written one, following requests from presidential office officials. This move is central to the allegations of favoritism in the relocation project.

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Don't worry... it's better to clear up the suspicions here. We will handle it sensibly.

The special prosecution team has already indicted former Presidential Chief of Staff Kim Dae-ki and former Presidential Office Secretary Yoon Jae-soon for allegedly directing illegal budget diversions to cover the relocation costs. They are accused of approving the use of billions of won from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety budget without proper procedures. The investigation is now focusing on first lady Kim Keon-hee, who is expected to be questioned about whether she influenced the selection of contractors, specifically 21 Gram, with whom she allegedly has ties. The relocation project itself involved the move of the presidential residence to a former diplomatic residence in Hannam-dong, with 21 Gram winning the contract through a non-competitive bid, sparking public outcry and a subsequent audit that concluded no favoritism occurred, a finding that remains controversial.

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Even the Audit Board Chairman calls him the 'Sang-wang' (kingmaker), so how could we resist?