Joseong-eun "I do not privately secure or disclose recording files... I do not want evidence to become a volatile issue"

Cho Seong-eun, the first whistleblower of the 'accusation manipulation' suspicion, is responding to reporters' questions on the afternoon of the 5th at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, before filing a complaint with the Central District Prosecutors' Office against former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, lawmakers Kim Woong, Kwon Seong-dong, Jang Je-won, and former lawmakers Joo Kwang-deok, Park Min-sik, and Kim Kyung-jin for violations of the Public Official Election Act and defamation.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Cho Seong-eun, former vice chairman of the Future United Party's election countermeasures committee who reported the allegation of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's involvement in soliciting accusations, stated that she privately obtained the recorded phone call file with Kim Woong, a member of the People Power Party, and will not disclose it.

On the 10th, Cho said on her Facebook, "There have been reports that the audio recording file was entrusted to a private forensic company, but I have no intention of publicly releasing it through such means." She added, "It is naturally false, and interpretations such as claims of fabrication or use of a double will be attached," explaining, "It is only natural that former Prosecutor General Yoon and Representative Kim will spout sophistry and attempt to destroy the evidence."

Cho also stated, "Some journalists have written articles with the clear intent to undermine the evidentiary value, or reported that the original file provided to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office was falsely captured over 110 times, thereby damaging the evidence," and claimed, "This also instantly disparages the efforts of the majority of journalists who strive to reveal the truth." She added, "I intend to disclose only evidence obtained through lawful procedures by investigative agencies, and if necessary, in an appropriate manner in front of the media."

Cho said, "The ownership of the audio voluntarily submitted for public interest reporting clearly belongs to me," and "Since it will be submitted as primary evidence in criminal cases involving various falsehoods, it must be obtained for the right to defense and other reasons." She also explained, "If the audio file is played at various National Assembly audits causing delight to some and embarrassment to others, but risks interfering with investigations or trials, I will exercise restraint."

Cho wrote, "I hope my evidence will be used to punish all those who have committed crimes against the state," and "I do not want this to become merely a fleeting issue." She concluded her post by saying, "I believe that investigative agencies will conduct thorough and sincere investigations, especially the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which was established with a historic mission, and will clearly uncover this case."