Former Minister Won Hee-ryong Criticizes Special Prosecutor's Probe into Highway Project

Former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong appeared before a special prosecutor team on June 6 for questioning as a suspect in the Seoul-Yangpyeong highway project controversy. This marks his second appearance since June 23.

“

They are ignoring the time set by the judge and violating procedures, acting arbitrarily.

As he arrived at the special prosecutor's office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Won criticized the seizure of his mobile phone. He stated, "They are ignoring the time set by the judge and violating procedures, acting arbitrarily." He added, "They seem to think they are a special group, but they are no different from the election commission or the special prosecutor's team." Won asserted that the special prosecutor's investigation, particularly the phone seizure, directly disregards a judge's warrant and is therefore illegal.

"I will naturally cooperate with lawful investigations and state my case, but I cannot condone illegality. I will respond firmly to unlawful actions," Won declared. The special prosecutor's team seized Won's phone on May 15. When Won's side refused to provide the password, the National Forensic Service was tasked with unlocking it. Won's camp argues that the forensic attempt occurred more than ten days after the phone was seized and violated the execution procedures and deadlines stipulated in the warrant.

“

They seem to think they are a special group, but they are no different from the election commission or the special prosecutor's team.

The controversy stems from allegations that the Seoul-Yangpyeong highway project was abruptly canceled in July 2023 to provide benefits to the family of First Lady Kim Keon-hee. The original route, which passed preliminary feasibility studies, was reportedly altered to a different alignment closer to land owned by Kim's family. While the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport explained the revised route was superior in terms of traffic volume and environmental factors, the then-opposition Democratic Party raised suspicions of favoritism.

“

The current investigation by the special prosecutor is illegal as it directly disregards the judge's warrant.

Won announced the project's cancellation shortly after making two phone calls during a high-level government meeting on July 6, 2023. This decision was reportedly not discussed in prior internal ministry meetings. The special prosecutor's team is investigating the identity of Won's phone call recipients and the process of document modification to determine if the presidential office influenced the cancellation decision.

“

I will naturally cooperate with lawful investigations and state my case, but I cannot condone illegality. I will respond firmly to unlawful actions.