Indictments Target High‑Level Officials in Relocation Project Special counsel Min Joong‑ki’s team indicted former Vice Land Minister Kim Oh‑jin and former presidential secretary Hwang on Dec 17, accusing them of abusing authority to favor a private firm in the 2022 presidential residence relocation and renovation effort [1]. The indictment cites charges of favoritism, abuse of power, and obstruction of proper procurement procedures [1]. Both officials were placed under arrest immediately following the indictment [1].

21 Gram Design Firm Accused of License Violations Prosecutors allege the two officials helped interior‑design company 21 Gram, which lacks a general construction license, secure the relocation contract [1]. The scheme allegedly involved presenting 21 Gram as a qualified construction entity, bypassing licensing requirements [1]. This manipulation is central to the corruption allegations surrounding the project [1].

Fraud and Embezzlement Allegations Involve 1.6 Billion Won 21 Gram CEO Kim Tae‑young was indicted without detention for fraud and embezzling approximately 1.6 billion won from government funds allocated to the residence project [1]. The indictment claims the funds were misappropriated through falsified contracts and inflated invoices [1]. The CEO and his wife are reported to have close ties to former first lady Kim Keon Hee, adding a political dimension to the case [1].

Audit Board Investigation Reveals Document Refusals Hwang and the 21 Gram CEO face additional charges for refusing to submit required documents and providing false statements during an audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection [1]. The audit uncovered discrepancies in project reporting and procurement records [1]. These violations underscore the broader pattern of obstruction and misinformation identified by investigators [1].