"Special Treatment in Presidential Residence Relocation": Kim Keon-hee and Yoon Han-hong Deny Abuse of Authority Charges

Kim Keon-hee and People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Han-hong, who were indicted on charges of giving preferential treatment to construction firm 21Gram during the relocation of the presidential residence under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, denied the charges at their first trial hearing.

The 22nd Criminal Settlement Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Cho Hyung-woo) held the first preparatory hearing on October 2 for the cases involving Kim and lawmaker Yoon on charges including abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights.

Kim's legal team stated, "We completely deny all charges," arguing, "Even looking at the facts of the indictment, Kim did nothing other than introduce 21Gram to lawmaker Yoon."

They further rebutted, "Kim is not a public official, and for the crime of abuse of authority to be established, there must be functional control, but no such fact exists."

Regarding the charge of receiving money and valuables totaling about 10.12 million won from 21Gram under the guise of mediation for securing the construction project, her side claimed innocence, stating, "All expenses have been fully repaid."

Lawmaker Yoon's legal team also denied the charges, asserting that he never instructed 21Gram to take charge of the residence relocation construction and that he had no involvement whatsoever in the construction after the presidential transition committee was dissolved following the inauguration.

Kim Taeyoung, the CEO of 21Gram who was in charge of the residence relocation and expansion construction, also denied all charges, including violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

Meanwhile, the legal team for former Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Oh-jin, who was indicted together on charges of giving false testimony during the October 2024 parliamentary audit to the effect that he could not remember who recommended 21Gram, admitted to the charges.

The court decided to hold another preparatory hearing on October 19 to discuss the trial schedule and other matters.

(Photo: Provided by Photo Press Corps, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.