Former Chairman Kim Bong-hyun leaving the detention center at Suwon Nambu Police Station in Gyeonggi Province in April to attend a pre-arrest detention hearing. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon (Research Fellow at the Judicial Research and Training Institute) refuted on the 1st an MBC report claiming that he is connected to former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun's side in the Lime and Optimus cases, calling it "groundless."
MBC's 'News Desk' revealed new testimony from former Chairman Kim Bong-hyun on the same day, reporting that, citing a person related to Kim's side, lawyer Lee proposed a 'cover-up' lobbying effort to Kim and mentioned Prosecutor Han during the process.
In response, Prosecutor Han stated in a press release, "I am completely unrelated to this matter in any way," and denied, "I have neither been involved in this case nor met or contacted any lawyer or prosecutor regarding this matter."
He also said, "MBC and the reporter in question will be held legally responsible for maliciously naming me without any verification, relying solely on the words of an inmate."
Earlier, MBC reported, "The prosecution secured new testimony from Kim Bong-hyun, who had exposed the allegations," adding, "Lawyer Lee, identified as the lobbying channel, proposed a prosecutor entertainment offer, saying, 'If the Lime case breaks out, it will be like the Busan Savings Bank case,' attempting to persuade."
They further reported, "Lawyer Lee visited the detention center and made a proposal to former Chairman Kim, saying, 'Prosecutor A is in Han Dong-hoon's line. If you can get a senior Blue House official, Prosecutor A will report to the Prosecutor General through Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon and arrange for you to be tried on bail.'
Meanwhile, former Chairman Kim, who is detained and indicted on charges of fraud and embezzlement amounting to around 100 billion won, revealed a 'prison letter' last month through his lawyer, alleging prosecution lobbying.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
