Prosecutors Review Reissuance of Warrant for Baek Woon-gyu in 'Ministry of Industry Blacklist' Case

Additional Analysis of Some Charges... Review of Refiling Decision

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The prosecution is reviewing whether to reapply for an arrest warrant for Baek Woon-gyu, the former Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, who was considered a key figure in the Ministry of Industry's blacklist allegations.

According to the legal community on the 16th, the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office plans to decide whether to reapply for the warrant after further analyzing the reasons for the previous warrant dismissal.

A prosecution official stated, "We are reviewing whether to reapply for the warrant," adding, "We will examine which specific charges may be subject to dispute." He also said, "We are currently conducting additional analysis, and it is difficult to predict the exact timing."

The prosecution viewed that, considering the mention in the warrant dismissal reasons that some charges could be disputed, a significant portion of the allegations were acknowledged.

Earlier, Shin Yong-moo, the judge in charge of warrants at the Seoul Eastern District Court, dismissed Baek's arrest warrant request around 9:40 p.m. the previous day, stating, "While the overall evidence for the criminal charges appears to have been presented, some charges are subject to dispute," and "Considering the suspect's status and attitude, it is difficult to see a flight risk." Baek is accused of forcing 13 heads of public institutions under the Ministry of Industry to submit resignations in 2017 and improperly interfering in the appointment of their successors.

Within the legal community, although securing Baek's custody has become difficult, many believe the investigation will continue. A lawyer who is a former prosecutor said, "If the prosecution personnel changes soon, there is a possibility that the investigation team will be partially replaced," adding, "Since there is an opinion that the charges have largely been substantiated, the investigation is expected to accelerate going forward."