Prosecutors Conduct Search and Seizure at Homes of Seo, Former Aide, and KATUSA-Related Individuals
Prosecutorial Investigation Speed to Prevent Delay Controversy
Minister Choo Mi-ae Expected to Be Summoned Soon
[Asia Economy Reporters Baek Kyunghwan and Lee Jungyoon] The prosecution conducted a sudden search and seizure of the residences and offices of Seo Mo, the son of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, 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 Prosecutor Kim Deok-gon) announced that it had conducted a search and seizure of Seo's office and residence the previous day. Seo is currently working as an intern at the K League Jeonbuk Hyundai Football Club since early this year. The search locations were reported to be Seo's home in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, and the football club's office. Additionally, on the 19th of this month, the residences of A, a former aide to Minister Choo who requested an extension of sick leave on Seo's behalf, and the office and residence of Captain B, the KATUSA support officer who received A's call, were also searched. During these searches, the prosecution secured the mobile phones of A and Captain B and is currently conducting forensic analysis. A prosecution official stated, "We cannot disclose specific details about the bribery situation or the future investigation schedule."
Seo served as a KATUSA soldier in the US 8th Army Korea Support Group, 2nd Infantry Division Area Detachment from 2017, during which he took a total of 23 days of sick leave and personal leave in two phases. Allegations have been raised that there was external pressure or requests from Minister Choo's side during this process, leading opposition parties to file a complaint 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 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.
The prosecution's decision to conduct a search and seizure in this case is interpreted as a measure to promptly conclude the investigation and prevent criticism of delayed proceedings. By securing evidence against Seo just two days after seizing the mobile phones of related parties such as A and Captain B, the prosecution is moving at a rapid pace. The Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Byun Pil-geon) has also begun reviewing records related to Shin Won-sik, a member of the People Power Party who filed a complaint raising suspicions about Seo's military service. The case was filed by the Citizens' Action for Judicial Justice (Sasehaeng), and the prosecution is reportedly reviewing allegations including defamation of Minister Choo and Seo by spreading false information and obstruction of media operations through deception.
As the pace of investigations into these series of incidents accelerates, the timing of the prosecution's direct questioning of Minister Choo appears imminent. The timing of the search and seizure on Seo coincided with the period when Minister Choo was actively advocating for prosecutorial reform while moving between the National Assembly and the Blue House. Legal circles predict that the prosecution will summon Minister Choo soon, as both sides?the accusers raising suspicions about Seo and Minister Choo's camp?are accelerating their investigations. Given that she is a defendant involved in multiple allegations, a direct summons and investigation is considered the standard procedure.
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