On-Duty Soldier's Side: "If Chu Does Not Apologize, Recording Will Be Released"

Hyeon’s Side: "Hwang Hee and Kim Eo-jun, Do Not Conceal the Truth with Your Three-Inch Tongues"

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae announcing the results of the 2nd National Intelligence Service, Prosecution, and Police Reform Strategy Meeting at the Government Seoul Office briefing room on the 21st. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] The side of soldier Hyun Mo, who raised allegations of military favoritism involving Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's son Seo Mo (27), has demanded apologies from Minister Choo and Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee. They warned that if no apology is made, they will take legal action.

Kim Young-soo, director of the Defense Rights Research Institute and former defense investigator at the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, posted on his Facebook on the 28th, stating, "It has been confirmed that the claims by those who insisted that the duty soldier did not call Seo are outright lies."

According to multiple media outlets, the prosecution confirmed in a press release on the same day regarding the "allegation case related to the Minister of Justice's son's military leave" that Seo received a return call from soldier Hyun during his leave. Seo reportedly asked aide A to process an extension of his regular leave immediately after the call.

Regarding this, Director Kim said, "Whether officially or unofficially, an apology must be made," adding, "If you do not apologize for the facts revealed by the prosecution's investigation, regardless of who the party is, I will hold them accountable to the end, including filing defamation lawsuits."

Previously, Minister Choo, Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee, and broadcaster Kim Eo-jun had refuted Hyun's claims through broadcasts and social networking services (SNS).

Minister Choo said on the 14th during a National Assembly government questioning session that regarding the allegations of the duty soldier's failure to return from leave, which were claimed to be false statements, "I think the reporting soldier may have misunderstood or made unfounded assumptions unilaterally."

On the 12th, lawmaker Hwang stirred controversy by mentioning Hyun's real name on his Facebook and calling him a "sole culprit." He also claimed conspiracy theories, alleging the involvement of accomplices in the case.

Broadcaster Kim Eo-jun refuted Hyun's claims through an interview on tbs radio's "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory" with a colleague who served with Seo. The colleague commented on Hyun's testimony that "a captain I had never seen before came and said Seo's leave was extended," saying, "It's hard not to recognize faces after serving in the unit for a long time."

In response, Director Kim said, "I will prove through recordings that their lies are lies. I will endure any disadvantage," adding, "Do not bring politics and power against someone armed with the truth who has nothing to lose."

He continued, "Lawmakers with social standing and people like Kim Eo-jun should not conceal the substantive truth with mere words and personal tricks."