Prosecutor General Jeong Jin-ung on the 'Geom-eon Yuchak' Investigation: "Secured Multiple Key Evidences, Significantly Approached Substantial Truth"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] The head of the investigation team probing the 'alleged collusion between prosecutors and media' directly stated through the prosecution's internal network that "the investigation is being conducted impartially under the direction of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office." He also revealed that numerous key pieces of evidence have already been secured, bringing them closer to the substantive truth.

At around 6 p.m. on the 7th, Jeong Jin-ung, Chief Prosecutor of the Criminal Division 1 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, posted a message titled "A Letter Regarding the Investigation of the Channel A-MBC Report Related Case" on the prosecution's internal network, iProS, disclosing this information.

It appears that Chief Jeong posted this message in response to an earlier post by Jeong Hee-do, Chief Prosecutor of the Cheongju District Prosecutors' Office, who publicly questioned the Criminal Division 1 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (headed by Jeong Jin-ung) on iProS, stating, "Many frontline prosecutors view the current investigation team as conducting an unfair and biased investigation" regarding the Channel A-related allegations.

However, given the sharp conflict between the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office over the investigation's command in this case, the fact that the head of the investigative department openly mentioned the status of evidence collection and other investigation-related matters is expected to cause significant repercussions.

Chief Jeong began his message by apologizing, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern among the members of the prosecution during the investigation of the Channel A-MBC report-related allegations."

He then expressed concern, stating, "I worry that this message might add another point of controversy amid the situation where this case has escalated into a political dispute, regardless of our intentions."

He explained the reason for posting the message, saying, "However, as a member of the investigation team handling this case, I posted this message hoping to alleviate some of the concerns held by the prosecution members who are observing this case."

Chief Jeong stated, "The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office investigation team began this investigation on April 7, following the March 31, 2020 MBC Newsdesk report titled ＜[Exclusive] 'If you want to protect your family, hand over Yoo Si-min's misconduct'... A terrifying investigation＞, a citizen group's complaint, and the Prosecutor General's investigation order. Since then, we have been reporting the investigation status daily and otherwise to the Criminal Division, the department in charge at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, and have been conducting the investigation under the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's direction."

He added, "During the investigation, we have secured numerous key pieces of evidence and are currently significantly approaching the substantive truth."

Seemingly aware of the controversy over biased investigation, Chief Jeong emphasized, "Additionally, regarding the complaint against MBC, we are conducting the investigation impartially by obtaining evidence from MBC and interviewing whistleblowers according to investigation procedures."

He stated, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the investigation results are acceptable to the public, relying solely on legal principles and evidence," and added, "We will share the results within the possible scope once the investigation is concluded."

Finally, Chief Jeong requested, "I ask the members of the prosecution to continue to watch over the investigation team’s work until the end and to place their trust in us."