Kim Man-bae Arrest Warrant Dismissed... Opposition: "Prosecutors' Show Investigation... Special Prosecutor Needed"

Assembly Member Raises Doubts About the Credibility of Jeong Young-hak's Recorded Transcript

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Jeon Jin-young] The opposition party condemned the prosecution's inadequate investigation after the court dismissed the arrest warrant for Kim Man-bae, the major shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu, stating that the need for a special prosecutor has been confirmed. On the other hand, the ruling party pointed out problems in the prosecution's investigation but questioned the credibility of accountant Jeong Young-hak's 'recordings,' which were considered decisive evidence in the Daejang-dong development scandal.

Kim Man-bae, the key figure in the preferential treatment allegations related to the Daejang-dong development project in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and the major shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu, is appearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 14th to undergo a pre-arrest detention hearing. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized at the National Assembly's National Audit Countermeasures Meeting on the 15th, saying, "This is a predictable result from the prosecution's showy and lenient investigation, which failed to properly secure mobile phones and did not even search Seongnam City Hall." Kim also pointed out, "The court that dismissed the warrant citing the right to defense in a major corruption case is out of touch with public expectations." He added, "I reiterate that the only way to uncover the Daejang-dong scandal is through a special prosecutor."

Opposition presidential candidates also pointed out problems with the prosecution's investigation. Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl criticized on social media (SNS), saying, "In my 26 years as a prosecutor, I have never seen such an investigation method," and warned, "If the prosecution continues like this, it will be called the Seocho-dong branch of the Myung Camp." Yoon clearly warned the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office investigators, stating, "If you overlook the allegations of plundering the people's precious property using public authority, you are accomplices." Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong appeared on the radio and criticized, "This is a reluctant investigation that chases the people and their words, a fake investigation."

The ruling party, while pointing out problems with the prosecution's dismissal of Kim's arrest warrant, believes that further investigation is necessary.

Jeon Jae-soo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on a radio broadcast and said, "I cannot understand the prosecution's investigation in one word. If it is real estate development corruption, the flow of money must be followed." However, Jeon criticized relying on accountant Jeong Young-hak's recordings for the investigation. He said, "I cannot understand conducting an investigation based on recordings that shift responsibility for matters already revealed." Park Sung-jun, also from the Democratic Party, said, "Even though Kim's arrest warrant was dismissed, he is a key figure, so an investigation is inevitable," and predicted, "It will depend on how Nam Wook, the key figure and lawyer, who has returned to the country, is investigated regarding this matter."