Seoul: A state audit has revealed the unauthorized construction of a golf driving range on the residential compound of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) disclosed that the facility was illegally erected under the guidance of Kim Yong-hyun, the then-chief of the Presidential Security Service (PSS), and was falsely recorded as a guard post in official documents.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the BAI report indicates uncertainty over Yoon's direct involvement in ordering the construction of the driving range, as verification with Kim, who is currently incarcerated for his role in the failed martial law imposition of December 2024, was not possible. Yoon himself is also imprisoned concerning the martial law attempt.
The golf facility, spanning 69.5 square meters, was built as an extension of existing structures. Under state property law, the PSS required approvals from the interior and finance ministries to construct or utilize the driving range, approvals that were never obtained.
In 2022, Yoon enacted a campaign promise by relocating the presidential office and residence to improve public connection, moving them from Cheong Wa Dae to the defense ministry compound and the foreign minister's residence, respectively.
The BAI reported that Kim summoned staff to the presidential residence in May 2022, directing them to build a golf driving range. He instructed discretion, resulting in a construction plan that misrepresented the project as a guard post and "employees' waiting area."
Construction proceeded without a formal contract, with the PSS settling the cost of 135 million won (approximately US$94,380) post-completion in August 2022, of which 104 million won accounted for the driving range. The PSS also failed to notify the local district about the construction, as mandated.
The BAI stated, "The then chief and deputy chief of the PSS knew from the start that the facility was to be used by the president," highlighting that such construction should fall under the presidential secretariat's purview.
Kim's site visits included directives to conceal the driving range with trees, adjust the golf bay, and install a durable mirror. Evidence suggests Yoon may have been informed, as Kim ordered a draft proposal for the driving range's interior to be presented to him.
Signs of usage were detected at the driving range, with the BAI noting, "We could not confirm the exact period of use, but there were marks showing a ball was hit to practice golf."
The BAI has called for disciplinary and corrective actions against involved PSS employees and construction company officials.