6,732 citizens sign petition

A long queue forms at the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo venue Sunday morning as visitors wait for a performance. [Provided by the Island Expo Organizing Committee]
A long queue forms at the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo venue Sunday morning as visitors wait for a performance. [Provided by the Island Expo Organizing Committee]

People Power Party lawmaker Ju Jin-woo said Wednesday he had submitted a citizens' audit request to the Board of Audit and Inspection over the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, which has drawn repeated criticism for poor management.

Ju recruited signatories alongside an activist who had been documenting the expo's shortcomings on social media under the name "Amhaengeo-sa," a reference to a Joseon-era royal inspector. A total of 6,732 people signed the petition.

The audit request covers a range of concerns: a sharp rise in project costs and the appropriateness of budget planning and execution; the selection of the main venue and alleged facility deficiencies; the suitability of demolition plans and post-expo use; the quality of exhibition, hands-on and performance content; contract fulfillment and inspection procedures; and allegations of duplicate or improper spending on fiscal projects linked to the expo and island-related programs.

"The fact that 6,732 people signed in half a day is a public mandate to thoroughly investigate where taxpayer money went and who must be held accountable," Ju said.

Ju called on the Board of Audit and Inspection to conduct a sweeping review with no exceptions, covering allegations of preferential treatment and conflicts of interest, irregularities in inflated budget planning, and bid rigging in contract execution. "Taxes spent unlawfully or improperly must be recovered, and those responsible will be held accountable to the end," he said.

The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo opened Monday under the theme "Islands: Connecting the Sea and the Future" and runs through Nov. 4. Designed as an international event to highlight the ecology, culture and future value of islands through exhibitions, hands-on activities and performances, it has been mired in controversy over allegations of mismanagement and junket-style overseas trips. The total project budget stands at 70.3 billion won ($52.4 million), with a target of participation from 30 countries and 3 million visitors.


park.jiyeong@heraldcorp.com