People Power Party Lawmaker Accuses Former Seoul Mayor Candidate of Farmland Speculation

Seoul, South Korea – Kim Jae-seop, a lawmaker from the ruling People Power Party, has accused Jeong Won-oh, the Democratic Party of Korea’s Seoul mayoral candidate, of concealing significant farmland holdings owned by his family. The allegations center around approximately 6,800 pyeong (22,500 square meters) of farmland near property previously defended by Jeong as “landlocked.”

Allegations of Concealed Farmland

According to Kim Jae-seop, the farmland is owned by Jeong Won-oh’s family and was acquired in 2000, making it subject to current Farmland Act regulations. Kim stated on his Facebook page, “I now understand why the former district mayor has a meltdown whenever his farmland speculation issue comes up. It’s because he is the young master of a land-rich family.” Chosun Biz and Sedaily reported on the accusations on March 8, 2026.

Dispute Over Acquisition Date

Kim dismissed Jeong’s earlier defense that land acquired before 1996 is exempt from current farmland laws, arguing that the 6,800 pyeong of farmland was purchased in 2000 and therefore falls under the current Farmland Act. He further claims that a portion of the land was gifted from Jeong’s mother to his younger brother in 2020, with its land category subsequently changed to miscellaneous land, increasing its value.

Concerns Over Scale and Farming Activity

Kim Jae-seop questioned the scale of the farmland, stating that 6,800 pyeong exceeds what a family operation could reasonably manage. He suggested the holdings indicate an “economic community” accumulating assets. He likewise cited local residents’ reports that Jeong’s family has ceased farming due to health reasons, characterizing the land holding as speculative and aligning with President Lee Jae-myung’s stated goal of eradicating such practices. Asiae also reported on these claims.

Call for Investigation

Kim urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, which is planning a comprehensive farmland survey this month, to prioritize Jeong’s family holdings for investigation. He suggested potential criminal charges if violations of the law are discovered.

Jeong Won-oh’s Response

Jeong Won-oh’s camp has refuted the allegations, calling them a “base political offensive” and claiming the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs had previously determined the land ownership did not violate the Farmland Act. A spokesperson stated the farmland is legally owned by Jeong’s younger brother and mother, who have been actively farming the land for decades, and that the accusations linking it to the candidate are unfounded. They also warned of legal action against “groundless false claims and defamation targeting the family.”