Yoon Han-hong Summoned in Presidential Residence Favoritism Probe

Yoon Han-hong, a prominent figure in South Korea's People Power Party, has been summoned as a suspect by a special prosecutor's office investigating allegations of preferential treatment in the relocation of the presidential residence. Yoon, who led the presidential transition committee's task force on the relocation, faces charges of abuse of power and obstruction of duty.

The special prosecutor is reportedly focusing on the selection of '21gram,' a company without the necessary construction licenses, for the presidential residence and office relocation and expansion project. Yoon has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the construction projects took place after the transition committee's term ended and the presidential inauguration. "The residence construction was carried out after the transition committee finished and after the inauguration," Yoon stated to reporters.

Investigators claim to have secured testimony suggesting Yoon directed the selection of '21gram' because it was a company favored by First Lady Kim Keon-hee. '21gram' had previously sponsored events and handled design and construction for Kim's cultural foundation, Covana Contents. Yoon is also accused of having surveyed potential residence sites three times with Kim and other officials before the location was changed from the Army Chief of Staff's residence to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' residence.

This marks the first time Yoon has been summoned for questioning as a suspect since the investigation began in March with searches of his home and offices. The special prosecutor's team is expected to press Yoon on the circumstances surrounding the change in the residence site and the selection of the construction company, as well as any potential instructions or involvement from former President Yoon Suk-yeol or other high-ranking officials.

The investigation follows a lengthy questioning of First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who reportedly refused to answer questions during her eight-hour interrogation on June 22.

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The residence construction was carried out after the transition committee finished and after the inauguration.