Seoul Central Prosecutor’s Office Chief Prosecutor Lee Jung-soo answers questions from lawmakers during the audit of the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office, Suwon High Prosecutors’ Office, and Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office held at the Legislative and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly on the morning of the 14th. By Oh Dae-geun
On the 14th, Lee Jung-soo, the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, said, “I knew the seriousness and promptly investigated the allegations of ‘indictment’ while serving as former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol.
Prosecutor Lee appeared at the National Assembly’s Legislative and Judiciary Committee on the same day and was asked about the allegation of indictment, saying, “Based on the fact that it is true, I saw it as a serious case in which the trust of the prosecution was at stake.” He added, “I did it thoroughly, even in the sense that I couldn’t be free from the controversy over taking care of my family.”
On the 13th of last month, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office received a complaint regarding the alleged indictment by Choi Kang-wook, the leader of the Open Democratic Party, etc. Prosecutor Lee said, “I know there are regrettable voices about why the high-ranking public officials were transferred to the Crime Investigation Office (PRA) quickly,” he said. He added that the investigation was confirmed and the case was turned over.
On the same day, the National Inspectorate also asked questions about the allegations of indictment against Bae Yong-won, the chief of the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ Office. At the end of the complaint sent to Seong-eun Seong by Kim Woong, a member of the People’s Strength of the People, in April of last year, the phrase ‘The Chief of the Public Investigation Department of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office is valuable’ is specified. Suspicion arose. Prosecutor Bae denied the allegations, saying, “I know the purpose of your question. I first learned about this case through the media.”
Lawmakers from the ruling party pointed out the lack of will of the prosecution to investigate cases involving Kim Kun-hee, the wife of former president Yoon Seok-yeol, including suspicions of ‘Deutsche Motors stock manipulation’. Prosecutor Lee Jung-soo said, “I did not receive an accurate report on the situation of the previous investigation team.” When asked, “If Kim Gun-hee’s involvement is revealed, will the ex-prosecutor-general’s wife be investigated in principle?” he emphasized, “I will do it in principle.”
Jung Joon-gi reporter joon@hankookilbo.com
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