Lawmaker in trouble
Scandal over speculative investments hits DPK
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has come under fire for controversial property investments allegedly involving Rep. Sohn Hye-won, who played a key role in President’s Moon Jae-in election campaign.
According to media reports, the former PR specialist’s family members and aides purchased nine buildings between March 2017 and September 2018 in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, before the government selected the area as a cultural heritage site.
The ruling party lawmaker is facing speculation that she used insider information gained from her post as a member of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee when these purchases were made. She also faces the allegation that she provided money to her young nephews for the property purchases. Since the committee has the authority to wield significant influence on the ministry’s policies, it is speculated she may have had prior knowledge of the designation.
Sohn denied that she was involved in any kind of speculative property investments and that she was only interested in preserving the old district. But her explanations are unconvincing when considering the timing of the purchases. The area’s designation as a cultural heritage site was made in August 2018 by the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the property values reportedly tripled afterward.
The buildings were bought in the names of her nephews and even the daughter and husband of one of her aides, in addition to a foundation in her husband’s name and others. What is even more incomprehensible is that she was found to have given money to her nephews to purchase the buildings. It is hard to believe she would go as far as giving money to her nephews for the sake of preserving an old area.
If cultural preservation was her true motive, she should have tried to back it up with developing relevant legislation to protect regional cultural sites as a lawmaker, and not try to buy up the town. It is uncertain how many people would sympathize with her alleged devotion to heritage protection. She must give an explanation that is acceptable from the people’s point of view.
The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) is using the scandal as an opportunity to shame the ruling party. LPK floor leader Rep. Na Kyung-won used a derogatory term “Sohn Hye-won land” to try to blow up the scandal.
The controversies surrounding Rep. Sohn must be cleared as soon as possible as it can seriously undermine the credibility of President Moon and his party. The DPK will face a strong public backlash if it attempts to cover it up or does not thoroughly look into the case and carry out proper disciplinary measures against the lawmaker.