South Korean Culture Minister-Designate Faces Accusations Amid Confirmation Hearing

Choung Byoung-gug, the South Korean culture minister-designate, faced intense questioning over real estate speculation and financial dealings at his one-day confirmation hearing. The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) accused Choung of building a warehouse on a rice field, allegedly raking in a profit when he sold the land, and violating real estate transaction laws. Choung denied the accusations, claiming he changed the use of the land lawfully and used the warehouse for his needs. The hearing was also a prelude to the battle between rival parties ahead of the parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012.

Key Takeaways:

• Choung Byoung-gug, the culture minister-designate, was questioned over real estate speculation and financial dealings at his confirmation hearing.
• The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) accused Choung of building a warehouse on a rice field, allegedly raking in a profit when he sold the land, and violating real estate transaction laws.
• Choung denied the accusations, claiming he changed the use of the land lawfully and used the warehouse for his needs.
• Choung was also grilled over allegations that he used his influence as chairman of the legislative committee on culture, sports, and tourism to designate areas in Yangpyeong, his electoral district, as a special artistic zone eligible for state support.
• Choung's accountant's error resulted in his and his wife's receiving twice the tax deduction they were eligible for over the past decade.
• Choung paid the tax difference just days before the confirmation hearing.
• The hearing was a part of the ongoing battle between rival parties ahead of the parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012.
• The governing Grand National Party (GNP) needs Choung and the knowledge economy minister nominee to pass their hearings to maintain presidential power until the 2012 election.
• The DP sought to save face after one of its lawmakers made false accusations against a ruling party leader's son regarding special favors in a law school admission process.

Statistics:

• Choung Byoung-gug's wife received twice the tax deduction she was eligible for over a decade, resulting in a tax difference of an undisclosed amount.
• The real estate transaction took place in 2004, with Choung selling the land three years later.
• The special artistic zone designation in Yangpyeong benefited a total of 12 areas in the electoral district.
• The 2011 national budget plan was passed unilaterally by the governing GNP, prompting opposition lawmakers to attempt physical obstruction.

Sources:

• Yonhap, (Article date unspecified)