Yoon Seok-yeol on Jang Mo Stock Manipulation Allegations: "Law and Principles Must Be Followed... No Exceptions for Family"

"Suspected Not to Be an Extension of Political Manipulation"

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol attended the opening ceremony of the Udang Memorial Hall located in Namsan Yejang Park, Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 9th. After viewing the exhibits, he was surrounded by reporters. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol stated regarding reports on his mother-in-law Choi Mo’s alleged involvement in stock price manipulation, "I hold the belief that everyone must receive equal investigation and trial according to law and principles, and even family members should not be exceptions." In this context, Choi’s legal representatives have expressed their intention to consider legal action.

On the 22nd, in a statement delivered by spokesperson Lee Sang-rok, former Prosecutor General Yoon said, "Even while serving as a prosecutor, I never interfered in family-related cases, and I will continue to refrain from doing so."

He further pointed out regarding the recently surfaced 'Yoon Seok-yeol X-file' allegations, "The consecutive reports based on unverified content from unidentified sources, purportedly from the prosecution, raise suspicions that this might be an extension of political manipulation."

Earlier that morning, Son Kyung-sik, the legal representative of former Prosecutor General Yoon’s mother-in-law, also issued a statement refuting the reports. He argued that not only has Choi’s involvement in stock price manipulation not been acknowledged, but also that the statute of limitations has expired, making investigation impossible.

Son stated, "This case was investigated for one year and four months starting from March last year by the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office (then led by Chief Prosecutor Lee Seong-yoon), but since stock price manipulation itself was not recognized, the investigation team could not indict anyone for stock price manipulation, and the statute of limitations has passed." He added, "Choi has never even been summoned for questioning."

He continued, "According to the article itself, the events occurred before former Prosecutor General Yoon’s marriage, and the investigation team had already passed the statute of limitations, making any possibility of investigation completely nonexistent."

Son also said, "Choi clearly denies any conspiracy or involvement in stock price manipulation with anyone, including those related to Deutsche Motors, and we will consider strong legal measures against the spread of false information."

Additionally, he requested the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution to "thoroughly investigate the source of leaks to the media regarding cases like this, where the statute of limitations has already expired."