In a recent court hearing, it was revealed that the representative of the interior firm 21 Grams exerted pressure on another construction company to lend their name in order to qualify for the renovation of the presidential residence. The move is reportedly influenced by the close relationship between the firm’s owner and Kim Kun-hee, the wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that the absence of a general construction license for 21 Grams raised questions about the legitimacy of their selection as the contractor for the presidential residence expansion.

The trial commenced with testimonies from the vice chairman and executive director of the construction firm that received the name lending request. Records from meetings regarding the renovation work were made public, showcasing discussions on project proposals and key reporting for VIPs. One witness implied a connection between Kim Kun-hee and the presidential residence work, confirming a general consensus that her influence played a role in 21 Grams' selection as a contractor. This acknowledgment sparked further scrutiny into the potential ethical violations involved in the decision-making process.

The court proceedings included remarks from witnesses recalling conversations with the representative of 21 Grams, who made mentions of her connections to Kim Kun-hee while promoting their qualifications for the job. The vice chairman testified about feeling indirect pressure to agree to the name lending after they initially declined, indicating the pervasive influence of political connections in securing government contracts. As the case unfolds, it raises questions about transparency and accountability within government contracting processes, particularly involving high-profile individuals such as the First Lady of South Korea.