Politics · South Korea · 3 hrs ago
Seoul Democrats to probe Han River Bus allegations in audit
Seoul city council Democrats will scrutinize the Han River Bus project during this year’s administrative audit.
They say they want to establish whether a referral for investigation into alleged rebates was halted, why some claims were left out of an audit request, and who may have ordered investigation records destroyed.
These are allegations the lawmakers say still need to be examined, not findings established in the account.
The lawmakers will also review SH Corporation’s financial health, because the public housing company is the project’s largest shareholder and has invested substantial funds.
Their review will cover shipbuilding contracts, spending, docks, tenant selection and alleged pressure on whistleblowers.
They may file further complaints if the audit uncovers suspected wrongdoing and confirms illegal conduct.
The audit runs until November 16, as part of a council session scheduled to continue through December 23.
Seoul Metropolitan Council Democrats said they would scrutinize allegations concerning the Han River Bus during this year’s administrative audit.
They said they would examine why a request for an investigation was halted, why key allegations were left out of an audit request, and who ordered investigation materials destroyed.
The lawmakers also plan to review the Han River Bus project’s contracts, spending, docks and tenant selection, as well as alleged pressure on public-interest whistleblowers.
They said they would consider additional criminal complaints if the audit uncovers illegal conduct.
A Democratic lawmaker also said the audit would examine the financial health of Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation, which invested in the project.
- Who
- Seoul Metropolitan Council Democrats and the Democratic Party’s Han River Bus investigation task force.
- What
- They plan to investigate allegations related to the Han River Bus during the council’s administrative audit and consider further complaints if illegal conduct is confirmed.
- When
- The announcement was made on November 3, 2026. The administrative audit runs through November 16.
- Where
- Seoul Metropolitan Council.
- Why
- They say questions remain about alleged wrongdoing and a cover-up, including a halted investigation request and the alleged destruction of materials.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Park Ju-min filed a complaint against Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon alleging a violation of the Public Official Election Act through the publication of false information.
Seoul Metropolitan Council Democrats and the party’s investigation task force announced plans to scrutinize Han River Bus allegations during the administrative audit.
The administrative audit is scheduled to end.
The council’s 340th regular session is scheduled to end.
- Announcement
- November 3, 2026
- Administrative audit
- Runs through November 16
- Council session
- 340th regular session, through December 23
- Potential action
- Democrats said they would consider further complaints if illegal conduct is confirmed
- Company under review
- Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH)
1 source
What people are saying
Many things still remain to be uncovered, although some of the substance of the Han River Bus corruption and cover-up allegations was revealed during the previous parliamentary audit.
If additional corruption or signs of a cover-up emerge during this administrative audit, we will immediately review the relevant information and, if illegal conduct is confirmed, file additional complaints without delay.
Should SH remain merely the money source?
We will examine whether it is normal public corporation management for SH to keep putting in funds simply because this is a priority project for Seoul.