Choo Mi-ae denies any legal violations in allegations of using political funds at daughter's restaurant

"You Can't Eat for Free Just Because It's Your Daughter's Store"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] On the 17th, Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae stated that there was "no violation" regarding the use of approximately 2.5 million won in political funds (donations) at a restaurant operated by her daughter during the 19th National Assembly.

At a government-wide question session on education, society, and culture held at the National Assembly that day, Minister Choo responded to People Power Party lawmaker Choi Hyung-doo's allegation of a possible violation of the Political Funds Act by saying, "Just because it is my daughter's restaurant doesn't mean I can eat for free."

Regarding the investigation into allegations of preferential treatment during her son's military service, Minister Choo said, "Since a complaint was filed against me, if I speak, I would inevitably be accused of interfering with the investigation or influencing the investigation guidelines," adding, "I am currently awaiting the prompt results of the investigation."

When asked whether her son had returned to the military to receive medical treatment or hospitalization, she said, "Please do not pry into my son's private life any further," and added, "He still occasionally goes to a Korean medicine clinic to receive acupuncture and is trying not to be in pain anymore."