Police: "Investigations Related to Yoon Seok-yeol and Lee Jae-myung Will Proceed According to Law and Principles"

Nam Gu-jun, Chief of the National Investigation Headquarters, National Police Agency
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The police stated that they are "conducting investigations according to law and principles" regarding the investigations related to President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol and former Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, which had been postponed until after the presidential election. Nam Gu-jun, head of the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency, said at a press briefing on the 21st, "It is difficult to provide specific details as investigations are currently underway," but added this statement.

According to the police, most investigations related to President-elect Yoon are being conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Yoon himself has been reported over allegations of instigating complaints, and his spouse Kim Geon-hee is under investigation for suspicions including false career claims. Head Nam said, "We are continuing to question complainants and witnesses and are analyzing related materials." Since the president is exempt from criminal prosecution, there is speculation about the early termination of related investigations. Regarding this, Head Nam avoided a direct answer, saying, "It is difficult to comment."

Investigations related to former candidate Lee are concentrated at the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency. There are numerous investigations into the Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong allegations, as well as suspicions involving his spouse Kim Hye-kyung’s hiring of personal secretaries and misuse of corporate cards. Head Nam also said, "We are continuing to question complainants and witnesses and securing necessary materials to proceed with the investigation." Regarding the 'Seongnam FC sponsorship fund allegations' handled by the Seongnam Bundang Police Station, Head Nam said, "We have received supplementary investigation requests from the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office Seongnam Branch and are conducting necessary investigations," but repeated that "specific details are difficult to disclose."

Regarding the possibility of re-adjusting investigative authority between the prosecution and police, which has been raised by some, Head Nam stated, "The adjustment of investigative authority has undergone various consultations and deliberations over more than 20 years, resulting in legal amendments," and added, "The new government’s pledge maintains the current investigative system where the police handle cases before referral, and the prosecution handles them afterward." He continued, "As far as I know, both the prosecution and police maintain the related investigative system in broad terms," and added, "If issues arise between the prosecution and police, we will supplement opinions through consultative bodies."

Regarding his advocacy for improving the search warrant system, Head Nam was reserved, saying, "The issue of warrants requires constitutional amendment and sufficient discussion including public consensus. We will gather opinions from academia and others to ensure rapid investigations while protecting citizens' human rights." Additionally, concerning the investigation into former Captain Lee Geun, who entered Ukraine without authorization, he said, "The International Crime Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is investigating for passport law violations, and we will investigate others who entered additionally according to procedures."