'Kim Chung-sik, Closest Aide to Choi Eun-soon,' Appears Before Kim Keon Hee Special Prosecutor... 'No Involvement in Gongheung District'

[Financial News] In connection with the alleged preferential treatment in the Yangpyeong Gongheung District development project, Kim Chung-sik, the closest aide to Choi Eun-soon, mother of Kim Keon Hee, appeared before the Special Prosecutor Team for questioning.
On the 31st, Kim Chung-sik arrived at the Special Prosecutor Team's office at KT Gwanghwamun West Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, for the investigation.
When asked by reporters whether he had ever communicated with People Power Party lawmaker Kim Seon-kyo or others on behalf of Kim Keon Hee's family regarding the Gongheung District development, Kim Chung-sik replied, 'No' to all questions. He also denied any allegations of illicit gains related to the Gongheung District, stating, 'I was not involved in such matters.'
The 'Yangpyeong Gongheung District development preferential treatment allegations' concern suspicions that ESI&D, a company owned by Kim Keon Hee's family, received special treatment during an urban development project in the Gongheung-ri area of Yangpyeong County between 2011 and 2016. It is alleged that Yangpyeong County did not impose development charges and retroactively extended the project deadline. At the time, Kim Seon-kyo, then the county governor, reportedly boasted of his close relationship with former President Yoon Suk Yeol at the opening ceremony of his campaign office for the 2023 Yangpyeong County governor by-election, saying, 'I approved the permits well,' and 'The president-elect felt sorry because of his mother-in-law.'
It was revealed that Kim Chung-sik previously served as a director at Bangju Industry Co., Ltd., the predecessor of ESI&D. On August 22, the Special Prosecutor Team conducted a search and seizure of Kim Chung-sik’s warehouse in Yangpyeong in connection with this case.
Kim Chung-sik and Choi Eun-soon have reportedly been business partners for over 20 years, providing each other with advice on various investment projects.
Additionally, there are suspicions that Kim Chung-sik met with Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo shortly after the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kim Chung-sik, however, denies ever meeting them. He stated, 'The media reported as if I had met them, even though I never did. That is a serious mistake.'
The Special Prosecutor Team plans to question Kim Chung-sik about whether he discussed the Gongheung District development with Kim Keon Hee’s family or with lawmaker Kim Seon-kyo and others.

theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter