Seoul, Nov 26 (NationPress) An opposition lawmaker in South Korea has firmly rejected accusations of providing special treatment to the family of former first lady Kim Keon Hee regarding a land development initiative that took place ten years ago. Rep. Kim Sun-gyo from the primary opposition People Power Party addressed these allegations while arriving at the office of special counsel Min Joong-ki for questioning.

The lawmaker faces suspicions of incurring losses to government funds by failing to collect development fees for a 350-unit apartment complex in Yangpyeong, located east of Seoul, during the period from 2011 to 2016, which corresponds with his tenure as county head, according to reports by Yonhap news agency.

This project was spearheaded by ESI&D, a firm established by the former first lady's elder brother and mother.

"The collection of development fees cannot be executed merely through a governor's orders, as there are established procedures to adhere to," stated the lawmaker during a press conference. "Public officials are under immense pressure and suffering from chronic illnesses. I am here to urge them to cease their coercive investigations and to bring the truth to light."

Tragically, an official from the Yangpyeong County office was discovered deceased at his residence last month, shortly after being interrogated by special prosecutors regarding this case.

In a note written before his passing, the official, who had handled development fees during the apartment project, alleged he was coerced by the investigation team to falsify his testimony against the lawmaker.

Both the former first lady's brother and mother are currently under scrutiny by the special counsel team.

This incident follows closely on the heels of special prosecutors investigating former President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful martial law attempt, who recently conducted a raid on another special counsel team to gather evidence related to his wife's alleged participation in the matter.