Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency "Rep. Joo Ho-young under 'Bribery Suspicion,' Basic Fact Investigation Underway"

Choi Kwan-ho, Commissioner of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency [Photo by Yonhap News]

The police have stated that they are currently verifying the basic facts regarding Rep. Joo Ho-young of the People Power Party, who is suspected of receiving money and valuables from a fake seafood businessman named Kim (43).

On the 2nd, Choi Kwan-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said at a press briefing held at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Naejadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, "Among the eight suspects involved in the fake seafood businessman case, seven have completed their first round of investigations," adding, "We are currently coordinating the summons schedule for the remaining individual." Former special prosecutor Park Young-soo, who is suspected of receiving a Porsche rental car from Kim, has not yet been summoned for questioning since being booked.

Regarding the investigation related to Rep. Joo Ho-young, he stated, "We need to conduct investigations based on basic data," and added, "Since the decision to book can be made afterward, we are currently verifying the facts."

Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), will be summoned for questioning on the 4th in connection with the nationwide workers' rally held in downtown Seoul on the 3rd of last month. Commissioner Choi said, "There are 25 total suspects related to the KCTU rally, of whom 15 have completed investigations. Chairman Yang is scheduled to appear for questioning on the 4th. We will conduct the investigation as swiftly and strictly as possible."

Regarding concerns that the scale of the August 15 Liberation Day rally might increase, Commissioner Choi said, "The quarantine guidelines have been issued by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and public concern is very high," adding, "If the rally is forcibly held, the police plan to respond strongly, including blocking the gathering sites."

Three rookie police officers from the 101 Security Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency collapsed from heatstroke while training with masks on at the Central Police Academy located in Suanbo-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungbuk Province, on the 25th of last month. In response, the Seoul Police Agency stated, "The internal investigation is still ongoing and is expected to be completed this week," adding, "Due to their enthusiasm, there may have been violations of summer duty and training guidelines. We plan to ensure strict compliance with these guidelines. We will pay utmost attention to the victims' recovery and medical support."