Seoul: An indoor golf driving range was found to have been constructed illegally on the presidential residence compound used by ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, the state auditor reported Thursday. The facility was built under the orders of then Presidential Security Service (PSS) chief Kim Yong-hyun and was disguised as a guard post in official construction documents, as revealed by the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI).
According to Yonhap News Agency, the BAI's report did not clarify whether Yoon personally ordered the construction of the driving range or the extent of his involvement, as it could not verify details with Kim, who is currently imprisoned for his role in the failed imposition of martial law in December 2024. Yoon himself has also been jailed over the martial law attempt.
The driving range, built as an extension of an existing building, covered 69.5 square meters. State property law required the approval of the interior and finance ministries for the PSS to construct or use the golf driving range, a procedure that was not followed, the BAI stated.
In 2022, Yoon relocated the presidential office and residence to new locations to fulfill a campaign pledge for better public connection. The office and residence were moved from the Cheong Wa Dae compound to the defense ministry compound and the foreign minister's residence, respectively.
The BAI revealed that Kim instructed a dozen staff members in May 2022 to construct a golf driving range, disguising it as a guard post and an "employees' waiting area." Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. was ordered to begin work before a contract was signed, and the cost of 135 million won (US$94,380) was paid only after completion in August 2022, with the driving range construction costing 104 million won.
The PSS failed to report the construction plan to the local district office, as required. Hyundai E and C violated the law by entrusting the entire project to a subcontractor and demanding it bear all costs, causing 190 million won in losses for the subcontractor.
The BAI's report indicated that Kim and the then deputy chief of the PSS were aware from the start that the facility was intended for presidential use. Kim visited the site, giving orders to conceal the driving range, adjust its layout, and install specific features, suggesting potential awareness by Yoon of the project.
Traces of use were found at the driving range, indicating potential golf practice activity, though the exact period of use could not be confirmed. The BAI has requested the PSS implement disciplinary and other measures against those involved in the case.