[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The prosecution conducted a search and seizure of the residences and offices of Choo Mi-ae, Minister of Justice, her son Seo Mo, as well as aides and military officials, in connection with allegations of 'preferential leave' during Seo's military service.
On the 22nd, the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Kim Deok-gon) announced that they had searched Seo's office and residence the previous day. Seo is currently working as an intern at the K League Jeonbuk Hyundai Football Club earlier this year, and it is known that Seo's residence is in Jeonju, Jeonbuk, as well as the Jeonbuk Hyundai office.
Additionally, on the 19th of this month, the residence of former aide A, who requested an extension of sick leave on behalf of Seo, and the office and residence of Captain B, the KATUSA support officer who received A's call at the time, were also searched. The prosecution reportedly secured the mobile phones of former aide A and Captain B for forensic analysis. The prosecution is restoring call and text message records exchanged between former aide A and Captain B during Seo's leave period to investigate whether there were additional contacts between the two and if any other individuals were involved.
Seo served as a KATUSA soldier in the U.S. 8th Army Korea Support Group, 2nd Infantry Division Area Detachment in 2017, during which he took a total of 23 days of first and second sick leave and personal leave consecutively. Allegations have been raised that there was external pressure from Minister Choo's side during this process, leading to a complaint filed earlier this year. The prosecution summoned and investigated unit personnel, including duty soldier C, who claimed to have reported Seo's failure to return from leave. On the 15th of this month, investigators were also dispatched to the Ministry of National Defense's Audit Office, Civil Complaints Office, and Defense Computer Information Center to secure electronic data related to the allegations involving Minister Choo's son.
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