Mayor Park accused of illegal surveillance

By Kang Hyun-kyung

Park Won-soon Seoul Mayor

An official of the Gangnam Office has filed a complaint with the prosecution, claiming Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon directed a team of undercover investigators to conduct illegal surveillance on district officials.

Kim Cheong-ho, a director of the district office, asked prosecutors to investigate the mayor, claiming Park had abused his power.

“The city’s jurisdiction is restricted to the city hall and the city-run institutions. But the team is stationed at the district office to monitor every detail of the district officials and this is against the law,” Kim said. “We’ll refer this case to the National Human Rights Commission, too, following our legal action.”

Kim’s complaint came days after the city government’s undercover investigative team requested the prosecution investigate a district official who allegedly received bribes.

The team said the official received 1.5 million won ($1, 400) from a staff member of an architectural company responsible for redevelopment of the Segok district. Approximately 6,800 housing units are under construction in the 930,000-square-meter area.

Seoul City countered the illegal surveillance allegation, saying city authorities can investigate corruption cases involving district officials under the current law.

The legal battle came amid a feud between the two over the development of an urban slum, Guryong Village, in the Gangnam district. The two authorities disagree over the compensation plan for residents of the area.