Despite Signs of 'Geomran'... Investigation and Trial of Yoon's Close Aides Accelerate

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Within the prosecution, apart from the 'signs of a prosecution rebellion,' Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's position is gradually narrowing. As the inspection targeting him has begun in earnest, the investigation into cases involving Yoon's family and close associates, on which Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae has exercised her authority to direct investigations, appears to be gaining momentum.

According to the prosecution on the 30th, the 13th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Seo Jeong-min) officially launched an investigation into the case of former Yongsan Tax Office Chief Yoon Woo-jin the day before. The case involves allegations that in 2012, former Chief Yoon received bribes worth tens of millions of won in exchange for quashing a tax investigation. A key issue in the investigation is whether Prosecutor General Yoon and Yoon Dae-jin, the deputy head of the Judicial Research and Training Institute and brother of former Chief Yoon, were involved. The investigation team conducted a search and seizure at the Central Regional Tax Office and Yeongdeungpo Tax Office on the same day. The Yeongdeungpo Tax Office is where former Chief Yoon worked as the head in 2010.

However, former Chief Yoon was previously arrested overseas during a police investigation and forcibly repatriated, after which he was cleared of charges. Moreover, during Prosecutor General Yoon's confirmation hearing last year, the ruling party defended him, stating "there is absolutely no problem." The prosecution accelerating the investigation into this case again is widely seen as effectively targeting Prosecutor General Yoon.

The cases on which Minister Choo exercised her authority to direct investigations are also progressing. These include allegations that Prosecutor General Yoon's wife was involved in stock price manipulation related to Deutsche Motors and preferential stock trading in Deutsche Financial, as well as suspicions that Yoon's mother-in-law evaded investigation related to the illegal establishment of a medical institution. The investigation team explained, "Currently reviewing investigation materials, although the nature of the cases differs, some involved parties overlap, so coordination such as departmental allocation may be arranged." The suspicion of receiving sponsorship funds by the exhibition planning company operated by Prosecutor General Yoon's wife is reportedly not yet assigned to any investigation department.

The Lime Asset Management lobbying allegations, which triggered the exercise of the authority to direct investigations, are being investigated based on the testimony of former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun. Recently, search and seizure operations were also conducted at the residences and offices of prosecutors involved in the 'alcohol entertainment allegations.'

Meanwhile, the first trial date for Prosecutor General Yoon's mother-in-law, Choi, has been set for December 22. She is accused of forging a bank balance certificate during a land purchase process, and as this is the first hearing, the defendant Choi is required to attend in person. At the final preparatory hearing held on the 29th at the Uijeongbu District Court, it was reported that Choi's side partially admitted to the forgery of private documents.