Yoon Han-hong questioned for 9 hours over presidential residence relocation allegations

Special prosecutor's office in South Korea has questioned Rep. Yoon Han-hong for nine hours as part of an investigation into allegations surrounding the relocation of the presidential residence. Yoon, a member of the People Power Party, is accused of improperly influencing the selection of contractors for the move.

The investigation centers on Yoon's role as the leader of the presidential transition committee's task force for the Blue House relocation. Prosecutors suspect he may have intervened to ensure that 21 Gram, an interior design firm reportedly connected to First Lady Kim Keon-hee, was awarded the contract for the residence's renovation.

During the questioning, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 7:05 p.m. on August 1, 2026, prosecutors reportedly focused on the circumstances surrounding the change in the residence's location and the subsequent selection of 21 Gram. The original plan was to relocate the presidential residence to the Army Chief of Staff's official residence, but the location was reportedly changed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official residence after the First Lady surveyed potential sites.

Yoon Han-hong has denied all allegations, stating that the matter is unrelated to him. The special prosecutor's office is investigating potential abuse of power and obstruction of duty.