April 27, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] The authorities are coming under fire for pushing ahead with the controversy-ridden duty-free store licensing plans.

It has been alleged that that there may have been illegal activities involved in Lotte and SK groups’ bid to get a license. The allegations have also been included in the impeachment motion, on which the National Assembly will vote on Dec. 9.

The Korea Customs Service and other related agencies, however, plan to go ahead with the selection process, saying that the license can be revoked if the ongoing investigations reveal any wrongdoings.

It has been revealed that Lotte Group donated 7 billion won (US$6.05 million) to foundations linked to Choi Soon-sil, but the money was returned days before the Lotte Group corruption case broke out. As for SK Group, it had rejected a request for donation of 8 billion won from K-Sports Foundation.

In the recent parliamentary hearings, both Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin and SK Group chief Chey Tae-won have denied all related allegations.

Choi is a long-time associate of President Park Geun-hye accused of manipulating the president’s decisions. She has also been accused of using her connections to influence state projects, and meddling in the president’s personnel decisions.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)