Key figures in the Daejang-dong development scandal faced indictments with detention warrants on April 30. Former Seongnam Urban Development Corporation executive director Yoo Dong-gyu and Hwacheon Daeyu CEO Kim Man-bae stand accused of accepting bribes tied to the controversial project.
Indictment Details Emerge
The court acted after reviewing evidence from the high-profile investigation. Yoo Dong-gyu addressed the bribery allegations directly, stating there was “no one who could have known and executed this alone.” He emphasized that irregularities persisted within Seongnam operations.
At 12:19 p.m., Yoo read a prepared statement claiming, “Public officials clearly committed injustices, and the mayor knew about it too.” He added, “The decisive power holder pushed the mayor intensely.”
Yoo further noted, “No public servant could uncover and replicate the mayor’s actions again. Public sentiment keenly recognized this reality.” He also indicated awareness of probe-related circumstances and detentions following the project’s execution.
Statements from Other Defendants
Lawyer Nam Wook, linked to the case, described related claims as “a two-way street in a fair exchange.” He remarked, “Power without authority is worthless. Even now, public discourse has turned the world upside down due to flattery.”
Yoo received special accommodations outside detention for aligning statements with public views but clarified, “Candidate Lee Jae-myung never pressured Kim Man-bae even once. The two maintained clear internal divisions.” In follow-up remarks, he suggested, “Restored to power, numerous legal matters face obstruction.”
Kim Man-bae, in a recent statement to detained private operators during a November probe, called out, “Vice Chairman Eochapi was furious over it— that’s a fact.” He questioned, “When claiming that as an issue, doesn’t it seem unreasonable? It’s frustrating.” He continued, “The court imposed punishment for covert threats during detention. Post-ruling, facts emerge to substantiate the threats.”
Nam Wook, appearing later, affirmed, “I’ll speak out after acquittal. Truth won’t stay buried.” Kim added, “Rightly so, my words carry weight. Reality remains unburied.”
Background and Sentencing Context
Defendants grew anxious awaiting confirmation of the October 1 sentencing hearing outcome. Under Criminal Act Article 92, initial detention lasts two months, with possible two-month extensions twice even amid appeals.
Yoo secured 7.886 billion won in project settlements, including 4.895 billion won from business associates. Prior rulings imposed eight-year terms on Yoo and four years on Nam Wook.
