Former Minister Won Hee-ryong Summoned Over Highway Project Allegations

Former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Won Hee-ryong, is set to be summoned by a special prosecutor's team on July 23 for questioning regarding the Seoul-Yangpyeong highway project. The investigation focuses on allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of rights.

The controversy stems from a proposed change to the highway's endpoint, shifting it from Yangpyeong's Yangseo-myeon to Gangsang-myeon, an area near land owned by the First Lady's family. The original route had already passed a preliminary feasibility study in 2021, but the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport began reviewing the Gangsang-myeon route in May 2023, sparking public debate.

Amid escalating accusations of favoritism, Won abruptly announced the project's cancellation in July 2023. The special prosecutor's team is reportedly examining whether the Ministry, under Won's leadership, proceeded with the route change despite receiving legal advice that it might violate laws. The team also noted that the Ministry issued a press release stating there were no legal violations, even after receiving advice to the contrary.

This is not the first investigation into the matter. A previous special prosecutor team, formed after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, investigated the case from July of last year but did not reach a conclusion. The current comprehensive special prosecutor's team has taken over the investigation. Won Hee-ryong has consistently denied allegations of providing special favors.