Lawmaker Yoon Han-hong questioned over presidential office relocation influence

National Assembly member Yoon Han-hong appeared before a special prosecutor on Tuesday as a suspect in an investigation into alleged undue influence over the relocation of the presidential office. Yoon, a member of the ruling People Power Party, faces charges of abuse of power and obstruction of official duty.

The special prosecutor's office summoned Yoon for questioning regarding his role as the task force leader for the presidential office's relocation. This marks the first time Yoon has been questioned as a suspect since his offices were searched in March. Upon arrival, Yoon denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the relocation work was completed after President Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration and had no connection to him.

Investigators are probing Yoon's alleged involvement in changing the presidential residence site and selecting contractors. A key focus is the potential intervention of higher authorities, including First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who reportedly surveyed potential sites multiple times in April 2022 before the location was changed without apparent reason.

Prosecutors suspect that Yoon instructed former Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Kim Oh-jin to award the contract to 21gram, an interior design firm linked to Kim Keon-hee's previous business, Covana Contents. This company, lacking the necessary construction licenses, allegedly received preferential treatment through a direct contract for the relocation and expansion work, a move that has raised significant questions about the integrity of the process.

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The presidential office relocation work was done after President Yoon took office... It has nothing to do with me.