Seoul: An opposition lawmaker denied Wednesday that he gave favors to the family of former first lady Kim Keon Hee in connection with a land development project carried out a decade ago. Rep. Kim Sun-gyo of the main opposition People Power Party refuted the allegations as he appeared at special counsel Min Joong-ki's office for questioning.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the lawmaker is suspected of causing losses to state coffers by not charging development fees for a 350-unit apartment complex development in Yangpyeong, east of Seoul, between 2011 and 2016. This period partially overlaps with his tenure as head of the county. The project was spearheaded by ESI and D, a company founded by the former first lady's elder brother and mother.

Rep. Kim stated that development fees are not subject to a governor's orders due to procedural requirements. He expressed his concerns about the stress public officials face and urged for the investigation to cease, calling for the truth to be revealed.

The case took a tragic turn when an official from the Yangpyeong County office was found dead at his home last month, shortly after being questioned by special prosecutors. The official, responsible for development fees during the apartment project, left a note alleging he was pressured to testify against the lawmaker.

In addition to Rep. Kim, the former first lady's brother and mother are also under investigation by the special counsel team.