원희룡 전 국토교통부 장관. 연합뉴스
South Korean authorities have barred former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong from leaving the country as a special investigation team continues to probe allegations of preferential treatment in a highway route change. The move signals a deepening investigation into a controversial road project near the first lady’s family property.
The special investigation team, led by Kwon Chang-young, requested the travel ban, which was subsequently approved by the Ministry of Justice, according to reports on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The team indicated that a full-scale investigation into Won is now expected.
The case centers on the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway, where the planned route was altered in 2023 to run closer to land owned by family members of First Lady Kim Gun-hee. The original route, which had already passed a preliminary feasibility study, was changed to terminate in Gangsang-myeon, Yangpyeong County, rather than Yangseo-myeon.
Won, who was minister at the time, declared the project “completely scrapped” in July 2023 after the controversy erupted. He stated, “If I had known even a little that Kim Gun-hee’s land was there before this incident broke out, I would give up not only my ministerial position but too my political life.”
A previous special investigation, led by Min Joong-ki, had already resulted in charges against seven officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for allegedly influencing the feasibility study to favor the Gangsang-myeon route. Those officials were accused of abuse of power and obstruction of justice. Though, Min’s team was unable to identify those who allegedly directed the route change.
Won was placed under a travel ban during Min’s investigation but was never questioned. He posted on Facebook in December 2025, stating, “There is no ‘Won Hee-ryong’ after six months of special investigation.” The renewed travel ban by the current special investigation team has sparked speculation that the full scope of the expressway controversy may finally be revealed.
