PPP Rep. Joo Jin-woo Raises Additional Golf Allegations Against Presidential Couple, Files Counter-Complaint

Representative Joo Jin-woo of the People Power Party has filed a criminal complaint with the police against President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung on charges including abuse of power and embezzlement, in connection with the "emperor golf" (luxurious VIP golf outings) allegations he previously raised.

Upon visiting the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency today (October 29) to file the complaint, Rep. Joo told reporters, "When I raised allegations of 'emperor golf' involving President Lee and First Lady Kim, the Democratic Party instead filed a complaint against me first to muzzle me with power. I intend to firmly uncover the truth through this counter-complaint."

Rep. Joo urged the transparent disclosure of relevant records, including payment details for President Lee's golf round on October 10, when a ceiling collapse accident occurred in Daegu, and records regarding First Lady Kim's golf round and lessons with an accompanying professional golfer on October 20, when a fire broke out in Yeoksam-dong.

He added, "Such 'emperor golf' outings took place 25 times from October of last year to December of this year. If they were played using taxpayers' money, the public has the right to know, so I am including all 25 golf rounds in the complaint and urging an investigation into this matter as well."

Furthermore, Rep. Joo held a press conference at the National Assembly this afternoon and raised allegations that during their summer vacation in August of last year, President Lee, First Lady Kim, and their eldest son Lee Dong-ho and his wife played golf together at Hansandae Country Club inside the Jinhae Naval Base and traveled by helicopter to accommodations on Jeodo Island in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province.

Releasing a photo of what he claimed was the helicopter parked at a helipad at the time, Rep. Joo asked, "Cheong Wa Dae and the Democratic Party offer false explanations, claiming the presidential family's golf was not 'emperor golf' and that they made reservations as ordinary citizens. Can they claim it wasn't preferential treatment after calling their son and daughter-in-law to play 'emperor golf' at a naval base golf course and traveling by helicopter to accommodations on Jeodo?"

He continued, "How were the helicopter expenses and golf costs settled? If even a single won of taxpayers' money was improperly spent, it must be reclaimed immediately, and legal accountability must be enforced," adding, "This is the primary inspection case for the Special Inspector. I urge that these records be thoroughly verified and disclosed to the public."

In response to a question asking whether he had any evidence other than the photo he released, Rep. Joo said, "Due to presidential security concerns, there are no photos of them boarding, but I believe the helicopter photo alone serves as proof," adding, "Because we have also secured other evidence, Cheong Wa Dae will not be able to deny it."

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