Former Minister of Industry Baek Woon-gyu "Complied with Laws and Regulations" ... Office and Residence Raided (Comprehensive)

Compliance with Laws and Regulations in Work Processing
Summons of Former Minister Baek Appears Imminent

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, which is investigating the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) blacklist allegations case, has conducted a search and seizure of former Minister Baek Woon-gyu's office and MOTIE-affiliated agencies. Following the appointment of Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, the prosecution has accelerated the investigation into the blacklist allegations case, raising expectations that a summons and interrogation of former Minister Baek will take place soon.

According to the prosecution on the 19th, the Corporate and Labor Crime Division of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Choi Hyung-won) conducted search and seizure operations from the morning at six MOTIE-affiliated agencies, including the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation Institute, Korea Petroleum Management Service, and Korea Coal Corporation, as well as at former Minister Baek's residence and Hanyang University office, securing personnel and management-related documents.

Former Minister Baek met with reporters in front of his office at the Hanyang University Fusion Tech Center in Seoul and responded to the question, "Did you act under the instructions of the Moon Jae-in administration?" by saying, "I did not act under instructions," and added, "I handled my duties in compliance with laws and regulations."

Regarding the contents of the prosecution's search and seizure, he explained, "They took things they thought were related to me, such as emails." About the four individuals who have completed their summons and interrogation, he said, "I feel sorry."

The prosecution previously summoned and investigated four of the five key figures in this case, including former MOTIE Vice Minister Lee In-ho.

Meanwhile, the Liberty Korea Party, the predecessor of the People Power Party, raised suspicions in January 2019 that the presidents of four subsidiaries of Korea Electric Power Corporation collectively resigned due to pressure from higher-ups in MOTIE, and filed charges of abuse of authority against former Minister Baek and four others, including Director A.