Gyeonggi Province audit set to focus on fiscal crisis and official residence

Efforts by Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae to overcome a fiscal crisis, along with the controversy over her '1.2 billion won (approx. $870,000) official residence,' are expected to take center stage at the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of the provincial government on the 13th.

Last month, Gyeonggi Province submitted a supplementary budget proposal reflecting a 546.5 billion won restructuring of expenditures to an extraordinary session of the provincial council. After wrangling with the council over the restoration of livelihood-related budget items, the province reached an agreement with Democratic Party council members on the evening of the 12th to restore 21.6 billion won.

President Lee Jae-myung posted on X (formerly Twitter) on the 11th, referring to 'people who cut welfare budgets for ordinary citizens without hesitation' and 'those in power who swing the knife thoughtlessly.' Some interpreted the remarks as being aimed at Governor Choo.

Conflict over the appointment of Kim Ji-yong as the first head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials is also a point to watch. Governor Choo, through social media, voiced her opposition by likening Kim to a 'mole' and Nazi war criminal 'Eichmann,' calling him 'someone who could turn his back on the people and justice at any moment.' The committee's confirmation hearing for Kim is scheduled for the 14th.

Ruling and opposition members of the committee have requested data on the creation of a Peace Economy Special Zone in northern Gyeonggi Province, the relocation of provincial public institutions to the northeastern region, and delays in organizational restructuring and routine personnel appointments.