Controversy over 'Dog Swimming Pool' in Hanam-dong Residence: Yoon's Side Claims "No Use for Pets"
A representative from the Yoon Suk-yeol government strongly refuted the allegations regarding a 'dog swimming pool' at the official residence in Hanam-dong, Yongsan, stating that it is an "outdoor landscaping facility for welcoming guests."
On the 9th, News1 reported that a former official from the Yoon administration emphasized it is not a facility for pets, describing it as "an aquatic facility made for outdoor events during guest visits."
According to the report, the representative explained in detail regarding the size and purpose of the disputed facility, stating, "It measures 2 meters wide, 6 meters long, and 50 centimeters deep, and the marble on both sides is also intended for setting up a table for meals or tea gatherings during outdoor events when guests visit."
In particular, the official emphasized, "It is claimed that hot water is supplied to the aquatic facility for dogs to swim, but only cold water is supplied; no hot water is provided."
The government explained that the aquatic facility was established in the summer of 2023 for tea gatherings in anticipation of the visit from the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Regarding the allegation of 'illegal excavation' on the premises, the representative countered, "The residence is on designated land, and excavations for an aquatic facility do not require separate permits."
This controversy began on the 7th, when President Lee Jae-myung held a dinner with the leadership of the Democratic Party, revealing parts of the interior of the Hanam-dong residence.
Photos shared on social media by Democratic Party member Park Hong-geun captured a swimming pool in the garden, leading to suspicion that it was a facility for the pets of former President Yoon and his wife, Kim Kun-hee, as the pool appeared too shallow and was in an exposed location for human use.
Democratic Party member Seo Young-kyo, who attended the dinner, remarked on MBC Radio, "It's shallow, but it looks just like a swimming pool. It seems that it can only be used for that purpose." She also mentioned, "There was another pavilion outside," adding that "various discussions arose during the remodeling process of the residence."
Meanwhile, the Board of Audit and Inspection conducted field investigations last month to verify allegations surrounding the relocation of the presidential residence.
It is reported that they focused on allegations related to the installation of a screen golf facility in the residence and the contract award process for the construction of the pavilion. Notably, it was revealed that the former presidential couple used about 228 tons of water while staying at the residence for a week following the impeachment verdict, prompting the Democratic Party to raise suspicions regarding the construction of an indoor swimming pool facility.
In response, the presidential office clarified through some media outlets, "There is only a small aquatic space styled for landscaping purposes."
Image source: facebook 'Park Hong-geun', President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife visiting the guide dog school of Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province / Presidential Office, President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Kun-hee posing together for a commemorative photo in the Yongsan Presidential Office / News1
