The Kim Keon-hee special investigation team is investigating Jeong Chang-rae, former CEO of SAMBU Construction, and current CEO Oh Il-lok, who are suspected of stock manipulation.
On that day, the Kim Keon-hee special investigation team noted in a notice sent to reporters, "Today (9th) at 10 a.m., a summons for Jeong Chang-rae, former CEO of SAMBU Construction, and Oh Il-lok, current CEO of SAMBU Construction, is scheduled."
CEO Oh is reported to have appeared at the Kim Keon-hee special investigation team's office set up in the Gwanghwamun West Building in Jongno District, Seoul, around 9 a.m.
Later, former CEO Jeong appeared at the office around 9:53 a.m. When asked by reporters, "Do you acknowledge the stock manipulation charges?" and "How did SAMBU Construction get involved in the Ukraine forum?" he repeated only the words, "I will clarify this in the investigation room."
The stock manipulation suspicion surrounding SAMBU Construction is said to stem from manipulation by stock market forces, as SAMBU Construction surged as a prominent stock tied to the theme of Ukraine reconstruction in 2022-2023.
Lee Jong-ho, former CEO of Black Pearl Investment who managed the account of Kim Keon-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, reportedly sent a message in a KakaoTalk group chat with acquaintances from the Marine Corps on May 14, 2023, stating, "Check SAMBU tomorrow."
Two days later (May 16), former President Yoon and his wife met with Olena Zelenska, the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Six days later (May 22), then-Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong and officials from SAMBU Construction attended the Ukraine Global Reconstruction Forum held in Poland.
Subsequently, on May 23, SAMBU Construction signed an MOU related to reconstruction projects with the city of Mariupol in Ukraine and Polish construction companies and publicly announced it. The stock price of SAMBU Construction stayed in the 1,000 won range until mid-May 2023 and surged to 5,500 won during trading in mid-July.