Prosecution Indicts Lee Seong-yoon for 'Investigation Interference'... Lee Seong-yoon Says "Will Reveal Truth and Restore Honor in Trial" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Lee Seong-yoon, chief prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, who is accused of exerting external pressure in the investigation of former Deputy Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui's illegal travel ban, has been indicted.

The investigation team of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office (led by Lee Jung-seop, Head of Criminal Division 3), which is investigating related allegations, indicted Lee without detention on the charge of abuse of authority on the 12th.

Considering the jurisdiction of Lee's case, the investigation team filed the indictment with the Seoul Central District Court, where the trial related to former Deputy Minister Kim is ongoing.

Subsequently, the investigation team plans to consolidate Lee's case with those of Prosecutor Lee Gyu-won and Cha Gyu-geun, Director of the Immigration Office at the Ministry of Justice, who have already been indicted on suspicion of illegal travel ban. Prosecutor Lee and Director Cha are currently on trial at the Seoul Central District Court.

If the cases are consolidated, Lee is expected to stand trial alongside Prosecutor Lee and others at the Seoul Central District Court. However, for the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office investigation team to participate in the trial held at the Seoul Central District Court, an official appointment as 'Acting Prosecutor of Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office' is required. The related appointment procedure is reported to be completed within the day on the 12th.

Regarding his indictment, Lee stated, "Through the investigation process, I explained in detail the situation of the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Division and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office at the time of the incident, but it is very regrettable that it ultimately led to indictment," and reiterated, "There was absolutely no illegal act such as exerting external pressure on the investigation at that time."

He added, "I will sincerely participate in the upcoming trial procedures to reveal the truth and ensure the restoration of the honor of the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Division of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office."

Lee is accused of blocking the investigation when the Anyang branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office tried to investigate the illegal travel ban of former Deputy Minister Kim in 2019, claiming that the travel ban was lawfully carried out.

Lee requested a review by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Investigation Deliberation Committee, arguing that he did not exert improper external pressure and that the investigation team was conducting a "targeted investigation." However, the committee held a meeting on the 10th, examined the claims of both the investigation team and Lee, and decided to recommend indictment.

Following this, Cho Nam-gwan, Acting Prosecutor General, accepted the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office investigation team's opinion to indict Lee the very next day.