Prosecutor Dismissed Amid 'Lee Jong-ho Drinking Session' Controversy; Presidential Office Launches Investigation
Prosecutor Dismissed, Presidential Office Investigates Amid 'Lee Jong-ho Drinking Session' Controversy
President Lee Jae-myung recently decided to dismiss Han Mun-hyeok, the chief prosecutor who led the investigation into the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation allegations. This decision reportedly stems from allegations that Prosecutor Han had a drinking session with former Black Pearl Invest CEO Lee Jong-ho in the past. The Presidential Office, recognizing the gravity of the matter, has confirmed the immediate launch of an investigation. This investigation is expected to focus on whether there was a violation of the duty to maintain dignity as a public official, as well as any inappropriate intervention or influence peddling during the investigation. In particular, the Presidential Office has made it clear that this investigation aims to prevent similar incidents from recurring and to establish discipline among public officials.
The Supreme Prosecutors' Office has also launched an investigation into Prosecutor Han Mun-hyeok in connection with the 'drinking session allegations.' The Supreme Prosecutors' Office plans to clarify the facts through this investigation and take strict measures accordingly. Within the prosecution service, there is a strong voice emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation, given that this matter could raise public concerns about the fairness and credibility of the prosecution service. The Supreme Prosecutors' Office's inspection department plans to summon and investigate those involved, and to closely examine the nature and content of the drinking session at the time, as well as its impact on the investigation. In addition, based on the results of this investigation, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office plans to strengthen the internal ethics inspection system of the prosecution service and enhance education on conduct as a public official.
Along with this dismissal, Prosecutor Han Mun-hyeok's position was changed from the head of the Anti-Corruption Department 3 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office to a deputy prosecutor at the Suwon High Prosecutors' Office. This is interpreted as a de facto demotion, reflecting the serious recognition of this allegation by the Presidential Office and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. Meanwhile, the Kim Gun-hee special investigation team will begin operating with a six-member team of special prosecutors starting today (October 27th). Attorneys Kim Kyung-ho and Park No-soo have been newly appointed as special prosecutors and will join the special investigation team from today. The special investigation team is expected to accelerate the investigation into the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation allegations through the addition of personnel. The Kim Gun-hee special investigation team plans to strengthen its investigative capabilities through this additional appointment of special prosecutors and devote all its efforts to uncovering the substantive truth of the case.
The dismissal and investigation of Prosecutor Han Mun-hyeok are receiving more attention in relation to the recent problems of lax discipline within the prosecution service. In particular, coupled with the fact that Deputy Prosecutor Kim Hyo-jin returned to the prosecution service after the investigation into the alleged solicitation of favors from the 'Gun-jin Monk,' it is expected that the demand for reform of the entire prosecution organization will become even stronger. The Presidential Office emphasizes the need for prosecutorial reform as an opportunity and is expected to consider various measures to ensure the independence and fairness of the prosecution service. In addition, the Presidential Office is reportedly considering strengthening the audit function and introducing an external inspector system to eradicate corruption within the prosecution service. The additional dispatch of Prosecutor Kim Il-kwon of the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office and one ordinary prosecutor to the special investigation team is interpreted as an effort to strengthen the investigative capabilities of the special investigation team and to uncover the substantive truth of the case. The special investigation team is expected to be able to conduct a broader and deeper investigation through this additional dispatch.
This incident is expected to serve as an opportunity for the demand for fairness and transparency to further increase throughout South Korean society. In particular, along with strengthening the ethical awareness of the legal profession, establishing discipline throughout the public sector is emerging as an important task. President Lee Jae-myung recognizes this matter seriously and has stated that he will continue to promote efforts to create a fair society. In addition, the President emphasized that he will actively promote various reform tasks, including prosecutorial reform, to restore public trust. It is expected that South Korean society can use this incident as an opportunity to move towards a more transparent and fair society. The government will learn from this incident, strengthen the ethical awareness of the public sector, and continue to promote efforts to restore public trust.
