Kang Shin-cheol faces real estate and asset concealment allegations

Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, is facing allegations of asset concealment and improper real estate transactions. Cheon Ha-ram, acting leader of the Reform Party, raised concerns regarding the nominee's son, who reportedly purchased a commercial building in Bundang Yangji Village for 700 million won in June. Cheon questioned how a 28-year-old individual, who recently completed military service and has only been employed for a year, could afford such a purchase, suggesting potential undisclosed gifts from family.

Kang's camp responded that the omission of the son's property in the initial disclosure was an error discovered on September 4, and that corrective measures and additional documentation have since been submitted to the National Assembly.

Additionally, Kang is accused of using fraudulent residency registration to qualify for a 'demolished resident' special subscription for an apartment in Seocho-gu, Seoul, in 2012. Critics claim he moved his registered address to a gifted home in Guro-gu to benefit from compensation schemes, eventually acquiring a property that has since appreciated significantly in value. Kang denied any illegal intent, stating that while there were administrative oversights regarding residency documentation due to the nature of military rotations, the home was his family's primary base and the subscription process was not unlawful.