The controversy surrounding the illegal expansion of the president’s residence has taken a new turn, with the core contractor, 21gram, receiving a travel ban from the National Assembly. Despite facing allegations of illegal construction and receiving special treatment without proper permits, 21gram has managed to evade accountability ahead of a parliamentary audit.
The parliamentary Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee issued a travel ban on 21gram’s CEO, Kim Tae-young, during an audit of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The ban also extended to construction company executives linked to suspicious gifts given to the first lady, Mrs. Kim. However, the move faced strong opposition from opposition lawmakers during the ban issuance process.
Kim and other key figures were summoned to the National Assembly as witnesses for the parliamentary audit but failed to appear. This included Kim’s absence during a previous audit session, where opposition lawmakers even went to 21gram’s office to find him, only to encounter locked doors. The unfolding drama underscores the ongoing struggle to hold accountable those involved in the controversial residence expansion project.
Contact writer Kim Nam-il at namfic@hani.co.kr.
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