The South Korean Blue House stated it would take necessary disposal measures in response to allegations that Gender Equality and Family Secretary Jeong Jeong-ok acquired farmland through land splitting.
The Blue House of South Korea made a statement addressing allegations against Jeong Jeong-ok, the Secretary of Gender Equality and Family, regarding her acquisition of farmland through land splitting. They emphasized that their guidelines for the disposal of farmland apply equally to all, regardless of position, and that public officials at the Blue House would also be subject to these investigations. Necessary actions will be taken if the investigation necessitates them.
This development follows President Yoon Suk-yeol’s direction during a cabinet meeting to conduct a nationwide survey of idle farmland to prevent speculative transactions. The President expressed concerns about the high costs of farmland, which hinder agricultural viability, indicating the government’s intent to reassess agricultural land prices. His focus is on addressing market manipulation and speculation in farmland, which is a significant topic of concern in South Korea.
The allegations that prompted this statement from the Blue House were brought to light by Kim Eun-hye, a member of the People Power Party, who presented evidence suggesting that Jeong acquired part of a larger agricultural parcel in Icheon at a substantial price. Kim asserts that both Jeong and her children are involved in acquiring agricultural land in regions that have since been designated for development, suggesting speculative motives behind these transactions. Such claims could have implications for public trust in government officials and their adherence to equitable regulations regarding land ownership.
