The Special Prosecutor’s Office has summoned former Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, Won Hee-ryong, for questioning regarding allegations of impropriety in the route change for the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway project. This development marks a significant escalation in the investigation into a project that has been mired in controversy over potential favoritism.
Investigation into Expressway Route Change
According to legal sources on July 1st, the second phase of the Special Prosecutor’s investigation has issued a notice for Won Hee-ryong to appear at the prosecutor’s office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, on July 3rd. While the notice was reportedly sent, it is understood that Won himself has not yet received it.
The Special Prosecutor’s Office has attempted to contact Won, including through phone calls and text messages, as part of their inquiry. The core of the controversy lies in the alleged alteration of the expressway’s route under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, with claims that the change was intended to benefit the family of Kim Keon-hee, the First Lady.
Allegations of Route Manipulation
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is accused of considering a plan in May 2023 to change the expressway’s endpoint from the originally planned dual-sided route to a location in the Gangsang area, which is reportedly where the First Lady’s family owns significant real estate. This potential route change sparked public outcry and led to accusations of preferential treatment.
Following the controversy, former Minister Won Hee-ryong announced the project’s cancellation in July of the same year. The Special Prosecutor’s Office is also reportedly investigating whether Won failed to convene the Road Policy Deliberation Committee, a procedural step in such major infrastructure projects.
Background of the Investigation
Previously, a special investigation team led by Kim Geon-hee had looked into related incidents. While they indicted a Ministry official, Kim, for allegedly exerting influence over the route change, no charges were brought against former Minister Won for criminal suspicion at that time.
The current consolidated special prosecution team, which is investigating the remaining allegations from the three special prosecutor teams (Naeran, Kim Keon-hee, and Sunjik Haebyeong), has been looking into the matter. Their investigation has included questioning Ministry officials who were responsible for the project’s implementation, and travel bans have been imposed on some individuals.
Won Hee-ryong’s Response
Upon learning of the summons, former Minister Won Hee-ryong posted on his Facebook page, stating, “If I am to be blamed for making a decisive decision as a minister in response to fake news that disrupted a national project, I will not shy away from it.”
However, Won also asserted that the project’s cancellation did not require deliberation by the Road Policy Deliberation Committee. He strongly refuted the allegations, saying, “Are you claiming I violated a non-existent law? If there is any wrongdoing, arrest me.” His response indicates a firm stance against the accusations and a challenge to the basis of the investigation.
The controversy surrounding the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway highlights the intense scrutiny faced by large-scale public projects and the importance of transparency and due process in governmental decision-making.
