Special prosecutor to question former minister again over highway project allegations

A special prosecutor is set to conduct a second investigation into former Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, Won Hee-ryong, regarding allegations of abuse of power in the Seoul-Yangpyeong highway project. The probe, led by special prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, is focusing on the alleged manipulation of the highway's endpoint, which critics claim was moved to benefit land owned by the First Lady's family.

The controversy centers on a proposed change to the highway's terminus. The original route, ending in Yangseo-myeon, had already passed a preliminary feasibility study in 2021. However, in May 2023, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport reconsidered the endpoint, proposing a new location in Gangsang-myeon, an area where land is reportedly owned by the First Lady's relatives. This shift sparked accusations of preferential treatment.

Following the public outcry, Won Hee-ryong announced the project's cancellation in July 2023. The special prosecutor's office is reportedly examining whether Won violated laws by distributing press releases that contradicted legal advice suggesting potential illegality in the cancellation process. They are also investigating whether the cancellation, announced in July 2023 without adhering to proper procedures like consulting the Road Policy Deliberation Committee, was lawful.

During his first investigation on July 23, which lasted about nine hours, Won vehemently denied the accusations. He told reporters that the investigation seemed to be shifting its focus from the highway's alleged preferential treatment to the cancellation itself, suggesting the prosecutors were trying to fabricate a case. "Draw whatever picture you want. It won't go as the special prosecutor intends because there is no evidence of wrongdoing," he stated.

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Draw whatever picture you want. It won't go as the special prosecutor intends because there is no evidence of wrongdoing.