Buan County Chief Kwon Ik-hyeon was accused by a complainant of meddling in the selection of contractors for a private construction project, and the complainant displayed 3 billion won in cash in front of the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency, urging a swift investigation.
A businessperson in Buan, identified as A, met with reporters in front of the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency on the 14th and urged authorities to promptly determine whether Buan County Chief Kwon and three others violated the Political Funds Act and committed abuse of authority.
That day, A unfolded bundles of cash totaling 3 billion won in 50,000-won notes. A claimed the money is suspected to be funds handed over by associates to block external disclosures about allegations related to the county chief.
In 2021, A was introduced by the county chief to two construction companies and carried out a new assembly plant construction project in Buan County. Afterward, A filed a complaint with police seeking confirmation of whether there was illegal intervention in the contractor selection and contracting process.
According to A's account, the first company to take on the project went bankrupt after completing only the foundation work. Another company that took over finished the job, but A said there has been significant damage due to shoddy construction.
A claimed that after a dispute with the county chief's side over the issue, individuals identified as close associates of the county chief delivered 1 billion won and 3 billion won, respectively.
A said most of that amount—3 billion won in cash—was kept until being shown to the media that day. A stressed that establishing how the money was delivered and where it came from, as well as checking fingerprints left on the bills, could reveal the substance of the allegations.
A said, "The longer the police investigation is delayed, the greater the chance the county chief's associates will coordinate their stories," and added, "Police should move quickly, including examining the fingerprints on the 3 billion won."
The county chief has flatly denied the allegations. Ahead of the June 3 local elections, he acknowledged at a Buan county chief candidates' debate that he introduced local construction companies to A twice in 2021, but explained that he did not directly intervene in the contracting or contractor selection process.
Police are verifying the facts with those involved based on the complaint submitted by A.