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Lee Bong-kwan, Chairman of Seohui Construction [Photo provided by Seohui Construction/ Yonhap] |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Seoul, Feb. 2 — Lee Bong-gwan, Chairman of Seohee Construction, appeared before the special counsel investigating allegations surrounding First Lady Kim Keon-hee. He is accused of offering luxury jewelry, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, in connection with lobbying for his son-in-law’s appointment.
Arriving at the special counsel’s office in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, at 9:59 a.m. in a wheelchair, Chairman Lee declined to answer reporters’ questions regarding whether he personally delivered the ₩62 million necklace to the First Lady, or whether the gift was tied to lobbying efforts.
Prosecutors suspect Lee sought to have his eldest son-in-law, Park Sung-geun — a former prosecutor turned lawyer — appointed as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister’s Office. The special counsel previously executed a search and seizure of Lee’s office on Jan. 11, applying charges of bribery.
According to reports, Lee submitted a voluntary statement admitting to offering the gift and lobbying request, which was presented along with the necklace during Kim’s pretrial detention hearing.
Later in the day, at 2 p.m., Park Sung-geun is also scheduled to appear before the special counsel for questioning. Investigators plan to examine the circumstances surrounding the lobbying request and the delivery of valuables to the First Lady.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
