Kim Han-seok on the release of recordings alleging Cheong involvement: "It's unimaginable... very frightening"

Broadcaster Kim Han-seok. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Broadcaster Kim Han-seok, who suffered losses after investing 850 million KRW in Lime Asset Management funds, expressed his feelings on the 18th regarding the release of a recording mentioning the 'Cheongwadae involvement theory,' saying, "It's very scary."

In an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 18th, Kim said, "I didn't record the conversation to use it legally in a criminal trial, but as I visited branch managers and others to get explanations, it became too difficult to understand, so I started recording from that point. During that process, they told me things beyond my imagination."

Earlier, Kim Han-seok was known as the person who recorded the voice of Jang, the former head of Daishin Securities Banpo WM Center, who was indicted in connection with this incident. The released transcript reportedly includes key figures in the Lime scandal, such as Kim Bong-hyun, chairman of Star Mobility, and Kim, a former Cheongwadae secretary currently detained and on trial.

Regarding this, when asked if the content included involvement of a former Cheongwadae administrative officer, Kim said, "Yes. When such stories came up, I was a bit shaken but also felt relieved that it was true," adding, "Later, while preparing for the lawsuit, when I told my lawyer that 'these kinds of stories existed,' he said this wouldn't end easily and that the matter had become very big, so I really worried."

He continued, "When the recording was first released, I had to work and protect my family, so I was very scared," and explained, "Even when my lawyer first said he would release it, I said no and asked him to keep my identity anonymous."

He added, "There are other stories besides what has been made public," but also said, "Honestly, I am still scared. I really don't want to talk about this myself."

According to multiple media outlets, Kim appeared as a witness at the trial of Jang, the former head of Daishin Securities Banpo WM Center, on the 17th and testified that he suffered related damages. Jang was arrested and indicted on charges of hiding the possibility of losses from investors and selling about 200 billion KRW worth of Lime Asset Management fund products.

Regarding his relationship with Jang, Kim said, "We knew each other due to regular financial transactions," and added, "I repeatedly confirmed that since it was a jeonse deposit, I would need to withdraw it after two years, so it had to be managed stably, but each time, he told me not to worry."

On Jang's denial of the charges, Kim said, "I have no idea about that situation," and explained, "I don't know if he is trying to evade responsibility or cover up his mistakes."