[2021 National Audit] Park Beom-gye "Daejang-dong Special Prosecutor, Must Be Resolved in the National Assembly"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 21st, Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, said about the 'Daejang-dong Special Prosecutor' that "I think this is ultimately a matter that should be resolved by the authority of the National Assembly."

On the same day, during the comprehensive audit of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, in response to a question from Yoo Sang-beom, a member of the People Power Party, asking "Considering the poor investigation, shouldn't we go to a special prosecutor?", Minister Park replied, "I have been involved in several agreements on the Special Prosecutor Act, but there is a question as to whether this will really reach an agreement."

He continued, "The Special Prosecutor Act proposed by the People Power Party mainly focuses on whether there was preferential treatment in the design of Seongnam City and Seongnam Urban Development Corporation, but members of the opposing party (the Democratic Party) raise many claims ranging from Busan Savings Bank to the '50 Billion Club,' so the perspectives are completely different."

Regarding the prosecution investigation, he evaluated, "The investigation into the lobbying part has not progressed much."

Minister Park said, "This case (Daejang-dong development preferential treatment and lobbying) involves two main pillars that must be investigated in balance: whether there was preferential treatment in the design process and the lobbying process afterward."

He also stated, "It is important to thoroughly investigate the entire process that took place over about ten years, from the beginning of the incident to the recent profit distribution, keeping open the possibility that preferential treatment and lobbying are not clearly separated but may be intertwined."

In response to a question from Jo Soo-jin, a member of the People Power Party, who said, "There are various rumors about Nam Wook's sudden arrest and release by the prosecution, including escape, evidence destruction, and planned entry," Minister Park answered, "Since Nam Wook voluntarily entered the country, there is no concern about escape, and the prosecution will properly judge the evidence destruction."

He added, "Because the charges against Nam Wook, Kim Man-bae, Yoo Dong-gyu, and Jung Young-hak are all related, the fact that the court dismissed Kim Man-bae's arrest warrant is likely to have some influence on Nam Wook's case, and I guess they are considering taking action after sufficient investigation."

Minister Park added, "I expect the dedicated team at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office to conduct an investigation based on the truth without taking sides or being biased."