Sang-jik Lee's 'Eastar Jet Irregular Hiring Allegations'... Police Conclude 'No Charges' After Reinvestigation

3 Months After Prosecutor's Request for Reinvestigation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The police have once again concluded that there is no evidence of wrongdoing in the case involving independent lawmaker Lee Sang-jik’s alleged unfair hiring practices at Eastar Jet. This comes three months after the prosecution requested a reinvestigation.

On the 7th, the Gangseo Police Station in Seoul forwarded the case against Lee, who was accused of obstruction of business and other charges, to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office with a recommendation of no charges.

In March, the police decided not to indict the case, stating that “apart from unclear media reports, there is no evidence to recognize the suspects’ guilt.”

In response, the prosecution reviewed the case records in April and determined that a reinvestigation was necessary, subsequently requesting the police to conduct it.

A police official stated, “We forwarded the case to the prosecution with the same opinion as in March,” adding, “The prosecution will review the police’s opinion and is expected to send it back to the police.”

Lawmaker Lee has been under police investigation for recommending specific applicants to the HR team during the flight attendant recruitment process from 2014 to 2015, along with former Eastar Jet CEO Choi Jong-gu, and for hiring applicants who did not meet the hiring criteria. Lee is also suspected of receiving bribes from both the person who requested the favor and the person who was hired.

Earlier, the civic group Judicial Examination Preparation Group (Sajunmo) filed a complaint with the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office against Lee, former CEO Choi, and others on charges including obstruction of business, fraudulent acts after bribery, bribery offering, and breach of trust. The prosecution transferred the case to the Gangseo Police Station, which has jurisdiction over the matter.