A debate erupted over suspicions of a rebate related to the Hangang Bus project during today's (15th) parliamentary audit of the Seoul Metropolitan Government by the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea launched an offensive, arguing that Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon cannot be absolved of responsibility regarding the allegations. In response, the ruling People Power Party countered that unverified suspicions conveniently surfaced on the day of the parliamentary audit.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government stated that it had requested an audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection regarding the allegations, but the request was dismissed, and an internal audit is currently underway.

Citing a related report by Newstapa, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Joo-min said, "There was an internal investigation result from the Seoul Metropolitan Government showing that suspicious capital flows involving a broker were detected in project funds paid to Gadeok Heavy Industries, the manufacturer of the Hangang Bus, and furthermore, that a person in charge at Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation (SH) likely received a portion of it as a rebate."

He also raised suspicions that although these internal investigation results were reported to Mayor Oh, no request for an investigation was made, and that the draft investigation request document was destroyed.

People Power Party lawmaker Park Sang-woong raised an issue, saying, "Significant question marks arise. The report came out precisely at that time (of the parliamentary audit). If certain forces use the parliamentary audit as a means to mislead public opinion, it feels like our parliamentary audit is being deeply insulted."

The Seoul Metropolitan Government also moved to refute the allegations.

In an explanatory statement, the city explained that the Seoul Metropolitan Government Audit Committee reported the allegations to Mayor Oh on September 9 of last year, and that Mayor Oh simultaneously ordered preparations for a Board of Audit and Inspection audit and an investigation request at the time.

According to the city, the audit committee drafted an investigation request in accordance with the instruction, which is still being retained, but recommended that Mayor Oh request an audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection because the circumstantial evidence of the allegations at the time was deemed insufficient to request a formal investigation.

Afterwards, the city requested a public interest audit from the Board of Audit and Inspection in October of last year, but the board dismissed it on the grounds that "it appears to be manageable directly by the internal audit organization," prompting the city's audit committee to currently pursue an internal investigation.

The city added that it plans to request an investigation if necessary.

Criticism regarding the fare system of the Hangang Bus also continued during the audit.

Currently, the Hangang Bus fare is set around 3,000 won for adults, 1,800 won for teenagers (ages 13–18), and 1,100 won for children (ages 6–12).

Cho Kuk Innovation Party lawmaker Jung Chun-sheng pointed out, "Utilize the advantages of the Han River to make it a beautiful Han River tourism project. I agree with this," but criticized, "Why set a cheap fare of 3,000 won, which is less than a taxi base fare, and cover the deficit with taxpayers' money?"

In response, Mayor Oh pushed back, guaranteeing that the Hangang Bus will turn a profit within three years.

(Photo: Yonhap News)