Pastor Choi Jae-young’s Prosecution Investigation Review Committee Meeting Sparks Attention

As the prosecution investigation review committee for Pastor Choi Jae-young, who handed over a bag to Ms. Kim Gun-hee, is scheduled to meet on the 24th, attention is also being paid to the ramifications of the results of the review.

If the charges against Pastor Choi are found to be true, the prosecution’s concerns are likely to deepen.

Four Charges Against Pastor Choi to be Discussed

The prosecution investigation review committee meeting on the 24th will bring up the four charges against Pastor Choi Jae-young, the ‘donor of luxury bags’, as an agenda item.

The court will determine whether to further investigate Pastor Choi and bring him to trial in connection with charges of violation of the Anti-Bribery Act, defamation, trespassing, and obstruction of official duties.

Pastor Choi’s Statement May Act as a Variable

Pastor Choi is willing to face punishment, arguing that if he is found guilty of violating the Anti-Corruption Act, it will also affect the investigation and prosecution of the president and his wife.

Pastor Choi, who was unable to attend the hearing of Mrs. Kim, will attend this hearing in person, and attention is being paid to whether Pastor Choi’s statement will act as a variable.

Impact on the Investigation of Ms. Kim

However, the prevailing view in the legal community is that the conclusion of the investigation review committee regarding Pastor Choi will not have a significant impact on the final disposition of Ms. Kim.

The Anti-Corruption Act does not have a provision for punishing the spouse of a public official who has received money or valuables, so even if Pastor Choi is found to have violated the Anti-Corruption Act, it will be difficult to indict Mrs. Kim.

There are many observations that the conclusion of Mrs. Kim’s investigation into Pastor Choi will not be completely different from that of the investigation.

Prosecution’s Worries May Deepen

If the judgment is different, the prosecution’s worries are likely to deepen.

This is because they need to come up with an explanation that the majority of the public can accept regarding the investigation results that the person who gave the money was indicted and the person who received it was not indicted.

This is Kim Tae-won of YTN.