Yong-gu Lee: "Sorry to the victim... Glad the video was submitted"

Lee Yong-gu, Deputy Minister of Justice. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] Lee Yong-gu, Vice Minister of Justice, repeatedly apologized on the 24th regarding the controversy over the 'assault on a taxi driver.'

In a statement released through his lawyer on the same day, Vice Minister Lee said, "Although the incident occurred before my appointment to public office, I am sorry for causing concern to the public, and I once again apologize to the taxi driver who is suffering through the police's initial investigation and the prosecution's reinvestigation."

Regarding the vehicle black box footage capturing the situation at the time, which was submitted to the prosecution, Vice Minister Lee's side stated, "It will serve as objective evidence to judge the facts of the case," and added, "It is fortunate that it was submitted to the investigative authorities regardless of the circumstances."

As for some reports claiming that he requested the taxi driver to delete the footage, they avoided commenting, saying, "Engaging in a dispute over the truthfulness of the taxi driver's statement itself could cause additional distress to the driver."

Furthermore, Vice Minister Lee's side explained the call records with the Seocho Police Station investigator after the incident last year, clarifying that he did not refuse to cooperate with the police investigation.

According to Vice Minister Lee's side, on November 7 of last year, he received a call from an investigator at Seocho Police Station and was notified that the investigation was scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 9th, two days later. However, after confirming that he had another appointment at 9 a.m. on the same day, he contacted the investigator in charge to request a change in the investigation schedule but did not receive any further contact.