Presidential Office Allegedly Asked for Written Probe into Company Linked to First Lady

South Korea's special prosecutor team has uncovered evidence suggesting the presidential office allegedly intervened in an investigation by requesting a written inquiry into the company 21gram, rather than a face-to-face interview. This alleged request was reportedly made to Yoo Byeong-ho, a member of the Board of Audit and Inspection, who is currently facing an arrest warrant. Yoo is accused of illegally instructing to downplay the company's involvement in the renovation of the presidential residence.

The company 21gram, which sponsored exhibitions previously managed by First Lady Kim Keon-hee's company, Covana Contents, was reportedly involved in the presidential residence's expansion project despite lacking the necessary construction permits. This led to a public audit request by the civic group People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy in October 2022, initiating the audit into the renovation allegations.

Sources indicate that the special prosecutor's team obtained information showing that individuals from the presidential office contacted Yoo Byeong-ho in March 2023, during the ongoing audit. They allegedly asked him to conduct a written investigation of 21gram representatives instead of an in-person one. The special prosecutor's team is investigating whether this request from the presidential office was made under the direction of First Lady Kim Keon-hee.

Yoo Byeong-ho has been charged with abuse of power and obstruction of justice for allegedly issuing unlawful directives during the audit of the presidential residence relocation. A decision on his arrest warrant is expected soon. The investigation is focusing on the alleged attempt to shield the company from scrutiny, particularly given its connection to the First Lady and its role in a project for which it was not qualified.