Special Prosecutor Finds Evidence of Pre-Written, Manipulated Audit Report on Presidential Residence

A special prosecutor's team has uncovered evidence indicating that an audit report concerning the relocation of the presidential residence was allegedly drafted before investigations were complete and subsequently manipulated. This development centers on allegations of abuse of power against Yoo Byeong-ho, a board member of the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI).

The investigation is examining claims that the audit report unfairly benefited 21 Gram, an interior design firm with ties to first lady Kim Keon-hee. The special prosecutor's team has reportedly obtained statements from BAI employees suggesting the report was pre-written and later altered. This raises suspicions of a "look-the-other-way" audit, with investigators seeking to determine the extent of involvement from higher-ups, including former BAI Chairman Choi Jae-hae and the presidential office.

Specifically, Yoo Byeong-ho is accused of reprimanding auditors who sought to directly investigate 21 Gram and instead opting for a written inquiry. This alleged intervention, while Yoo was the BAI secretary-general, is a key focus of the investigation. The BAI had reportedly identified that 21 Gram, despite lacking the necessary qualifications, was involved in the presidential residence's expansion project, yet this information was allegedly minimized or omitted from the final report.

When questioned by reporters on his way to the special prosecutor's office, Yoo Byeong-ho vehemently denied the accusations. He asserted that there were no illegal activities, omissions, or manipulations in the report, and that drafting the report was not within his purview. The investigation continues to probe the circumstances surrounding the audit and the alleged influence exerted by individuals connected to the presidential office.

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There is no illegality, no omission, and no manipulation. The report writing is not my job.