Lawmaker's office allegedly pushed for larger site in Changwon industrial complex selection

Allegations have surfaced in a South Korean court suggesting that the office of a former lawmaker significantly influenced the selection of a site for the second national industrial complex in Changwon, a major industrial city in the southeast.

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Changwon City and Rep. Kim's office were like one body, and we always shared and discussed national industrial complex-related data.

During a trial concerning alleged leaks of confidential information and real estate speculation, a Changwon city official, identified only as 'A', testified that the office of former lawmaker Kim Young-sun consistently urged the inclusion of larger areas, specifically the Buk-myeon and Daesan-myeon districts, into the proposed industrial complex. The city initially favored a smaller site behind Changwon National University.

Official 'A' stated that the city and Kim's office operated as a single entity, sharing national industrial complex-related data. This close collaboration, however, raised concerns about the transparency of the site selection process. The testimony came as Kim and her two sisters face charges related to purchasing land near the proposed complex shortly before its announcement, allegedly using insider information provided by Kim.

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Rep. Kim kept demanding that we include Buk-myeon and Daesan-myeon, saying 'Let's go big'.

Further complicating the matter, a representative from Kim's office, who claimed to be the proposer of the industrial complex, argued that the initial site was too small and that the larger area was necessary for a proper national complex. He admitted to seeing and sharing promotional materials containing President Yoon Suk-yeol's image and maps, but insisted they were not confidential.

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It is regrettable that we did not confirm that Myung Tae-gyun, working in Rep. Kim's office, was a civilian.

The second national industrial complex project was ultimately excluded from national strategic project selections last year due to the late discovery of a potentially unsafe abandoned mine. Changwon City has reapplied for reconsideration, excluding the affected areas, with a review scheduled for the end of this year.

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It is natural for Changwon City to consult with me, the proposer, when pursuing a national industrial complex.