Kim Seong-su faces scrutiny over Gangnam apartment lease controversy

Supreme Court nominee Kim Seong-su is facing scrutiny over allegations of receiving preferential housing benefits and potential tax evasion. The controversy centers on his residence in a 43-pyeong apartment at Dogok Rexle in Gangnam, where he reportedly pays a deposit of 350 million won plus 800,000 won monthly rent. Critics, including lawmaker Joo Jin-woo, point out that the current market value for a similar lease is approximately 1.95 billion won, suggesting a significant financial advantage.

Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo has accused Kim of providing false explanations regarding his living arrangements. While Kim’s side claims he has lived with his unmarried brother since 2021 at the suggestion of his mother-in-law, Joo asserts that the brother lives separately in an officetel. Furthermore, allegations have surfaced that the property owner was unaware of the sublease arrangement between Kim and his brother, which could constitute a violation of current laws.

Kim’s camp maintains that the arrangement involves shared residency and that the 350 million won deposit was partially transferred from a previous deposit held by his brother. While tax evasion and gift tax issues remain unconfirmed by authorities, the discrepancies between the reported lease terms and market rates are expected to be key points of contention during upcoming confirmation hearings.