A large golf driving range operated by associates of famed golfer Kim Mi-hyun was reported to police on suspicion of subleasing local government property without permission.
Incheon's Namdong District said on the 10th it had reported to police the company operating Kim Mi-hyun Golf World on suspicion of violating the Local Government Property Act and other charges.
Namdong District believes the operating company subleased part of the driving range to other businesses without prior approval. A screen golf venue is on the first basement level, a restaurant on the first floor, and a golf equipment store on the second floor.
After confirming this in March, Namdong District asked the operating company to prepare measures to comply with the consignment contract. The operator said it would switch to direct management by the 31st of last month, but when that did not occur, the district decided to file the report.
Kim Mi-hyun Golf World was established in 2009 on park land in Nonhyeon-dong, Namdong District, Incheon. The site area is 25,140 square meters, with one basement level to three above-ground floors and a total floor area of 4,284 square meters.
After contributed acceptance of the driving range to Namdong District, the operating company signed a consignment contract and secured operating rights for 25 years through 2034. The representative of the operating company is Kim Mi-hyun's father.
Namdong District says prior approval is required to sublease administrative property to another company, but that procedure did not occur. The consignment contract is also said to include provisions restricting subleasing or the transfer of rights.
Police have received the complaint and plan to soon verify the facts with the complainant and the accused.
Kim Mi-hyun debuted on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) in 1996 and entered the LPGA Tour in 1999. She has eight career wins on the LPGA Tour.