Lee So-young denies illegal consulting fee allegations

Lee So-young, the nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups, has denied allegations regarding the payment of approximately 70 million won in consulting fees to a firm whose registered address was a vacant building. Her preparation team stated that the contract was legal and based on the individual expertise of the consultant rather than the physical location of the firm. They clarified that the services, which included policy environment analysis and promotional consulting, were performed during her tenure as a member of the National Assembly.

The firm's representative also explained that the registered address remained vacant due to costs associated with moving the official business registration.

Despite these denials, former Seoul City Council member Lee Jong-bae announced plans to file a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, alleging potential violations of the Political Funds Act. The complaint suggests that the fees may have been excessive, for services not rendered, or used for purposes unrelated to political activities. Lee So-young is scheduled to undergo a parliamentary confirmation hearing on September 15.