Choi Jae-hyung Calls Lee Hae-chan's Audit Office Manipulation Allegations "Political Slander"

Regarding Lee Hae-chan's Claim, Choi Jae-hyung Says "There Are No Specific Details or Evidence"

Former Auditor General Choi Jae-hyung. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Choi Jae-hyung, former chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection and a presidential pre-candidate of the People Power Party, criticized former Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan for claiming that he received a tip-off that the Board of Audit and Inspection was preparing a political plot ahead of the April 15 general election, saying, "There are no specific details or any evidence."

On the 8th, Choi appeared on KBS1 Radio's "Oh Tae-hoon's Current Affairs Headquarters" and expressed regret toward Lee, saying, "I deeply regret that Lee made slanderous remarks implying that my past actions were politically motivated just because I am running as an opposition presidential candidate."

Choi continued, "I hope someone like Lee, who carries political weight, would make more responsible statements," adding, "Based solely on what Lee said, there is nothing for me to follow up on. Without specific details, there is no legal action to take. I believe this kind of political slander should stop as it is an outdated practice."

Earlier, on the 7th, Lee appeared on TBS Radio's "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory" and said, "When I was party leader, I received tips about about three political plots being underway," adding, "It seemed the Board of Audit and Inspection was preparing one, and the prosecution had two. One was related to the allegations of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl's complaint inducement, and the other involved Yoo Si-min."

Lee further described these alleged plots as "not just election interference but acts that disrupt our country's democratic system and constitute a serious breach of national order," adding, "Prosecution officials also lobbied our (Democratic Party) lawmakers extensively, saying things like, 'If our party suffers a crushing defeat in this election, prosecution reform can be blocked. So don't worry,' and spread such messages widely."