Lawmaker's Residence Document Request Contradicts Denial of Involvement

Evidence has emerged suggesting that Yoon Han-hong, a lawmaker from the ruling People Power Party, was more involved in the relocation of the presidential residence than previously stated. His office requested and received documents concerning the former presidential residence, located at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister's official residence, in early May 2022.

This revelation directly challenges Yoon's earlier assertions that he had no connection to the residence's renovation, stating he was unaware of the details as the work occurred after President Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration. The documents obtained by the special prosecution team include CCTV footage, photos, and past event details from the minister's residence.

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The residence construction took place after (former President Yoon's) inauguration, so it has nothing to do with me. I don't know because I didn't do anything.

Reports indicate that after President Yoon Suk-yeol's election, the initial candidate for the presidential residence was the Army Chief of Staff's residence. However, following a site visit in April 2022 by Yoon Han-hong, First Lady Kim Keon-hee, and representatives from the interior design firm 21gram, the location was changed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister's residence, and 21gram was selected as the contractor.

Prosecutors are investigating allegations that Yoon Han-hong, who led the presidential office relocation task force, may have reported on potential uses of the residence to Kim Keon-hee based on the documents he obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, Yoon is accused of instructing a former presidential secretary to ensure 21gram was awarded the contract, citing the First Lady's preference. Investigators have also secured testimony and records of Yoon visiting the construction site in June and July 2022. The special prosecution team is expected to decide soon whether to indict Yoon and Kim Keon-hee.

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Please ensure that 21gram can undertake the residence construction, as it is the First Lady's chosen company.