Lee Seong-yoon's First Trial on April 23 for Alleged Pressure on Kim Hak-ui's Investigation Withdrawal

Seong-yoon Lee, Chief Prosecutor of Seoul High Prosecutors' Office / Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The trial of Lee Seong-yoon, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, who was indicted on charges of exerting external pressure in the investigation of former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui's illegal travel ban case, will be held for the first time next month.

According to the legal community on the 12th, the Criminal Division 27 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Seon-il) will hold the first preparatory hearing for Lee's first trial on August 23 at 10:30 a.m. on charges of abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights. The preparatory hearing is a procedure to organize the evidence plan for the upcoming trial. Since the defendant is not required to attend, it is uncertain whether Lee will appear in court in person.

Previously, Lee was indicted on charges of exerting pressure to stop the investigation when the Anyang branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office tried to investigate the suspicious circumstances of former Vice Minister Kim's illegal travel ban in 2019, claiming that "the travel ban was lawfully conducted."

Regarding this, Lee stated, "I explained in detail the situation of the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Division and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office at the time through the investigation process, but it is very regrettable that it ultimately led to indictment," and asserted, "There was absolutely no illegal act such as exerting external pressure during the investigation." He also said, "I will sincerely participate in the future trial process to reveal the truth and ensure the restoration of the honor of the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Division of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office."

Initially, Lee requested a review by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Investigation Deliberation Committee, claiming that he did not exert undue pressure and that the investigation team was conducting a "targeted investigation." However, after reviewing the claims of both the investigation team and Lee, the committee decided to recommend prosecution.