Yoo Byung-ho, an audit official implicated in a flawed audit related to the relocation of the presidential residence, has been arrested.
According to legal sources on July 21, Judge Lee Jong-rok of the Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant for Yoo after a hearing the previous day, citing concerns over potential evidence destruction.
The second comprehensive special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, filed for the arrest warrant on July 14, accusing Yoo of abuse of power in obstructing the exercise of rights.
Yoo is alleged to have improperly used his authority while serving as the Secretary General of the Board of Audit and Inspection during the administration of President Yoon Suk-yeol to downplay and conceal the results of the audit concerning the relocation of the presidential residence.
After his election, President Yoon moved the presidential office to the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan and the residence to the former minister of foreign affairs' residence. Various allegations arose regarding the selection process of the construction companies and the costs involved, prompting civic groups to request a public audit, which initiated the investigation.
In September 2024, the Board of Audit and Inspection released a report on illegalities related to the relocation of the presidential office and residence, detailing that the presidential office requested a qualified contractor for expansion work from 21Gram, which in turn sought participation from WonDam Construction, a company with a general construction license.
However, the special prosecutor suspects that the appearance of legality was created using WonDam Construction while 21Gram, which lacked a construction license, actually handled all the work. The special prosecutor believes that the Board of Audit and Inspection became aware of this fact during the audit process but intentionally concealed it, misrepresenting that 21Gram was only responsible for interior work.
In contrast, Yoo Byung-ho has denied the allegations, stating, "The audit regarding the relocation of the residence was conducted with all staff committed to upholding the law and principles with utmost diligence."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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