[Breaking] Prosecutors Decide Not to Indict in 'Referral to Corruption Investigation Office' Case Related to 'Alleged Solicitation of Complaints' Involving Rep. Kim Woong and Others

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, Legal Affairs Specialist] The Public Investigation Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced on the 29th that it has decided not to prosecute the case involving People Power Party lawmaker Kim Woong and others, which was transferred from the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (Gongsoocheo) regarding the 'accusation solicitation' allegations, on charges including violation of the Public Official Election Act.

In May, Gongsoocheo concluded its investigation into the 'accusation solicitation' allegations and referred Son Joon-sung, Human Rights Protection Officer at Daegu High Prosecutors' Office, to trial on four charges: violation of the Public Official Election Act, leakage of official secrets, violation of the Personal Information Protection Act, and violation of the Act on Electronic Procedures in Criminal Cases, while dismissing the abuse of authority charge.

Additionally, the abuse of authority and leakage of official secrets charges against lawmaker Kim were dismissed, and the remaining charges, including the Public Official Election Act violation in conspiracy with Prosecutor Son, which were not subject to Gongsoocheo's prosecution or investigation, were transferred to the prosecution.

While three prosecutors who were investigated along with President Yoon Seok-youl, Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon, People Power Party lawmaker Jeong Jeom-sik, and Prosecutor Son were cleared of charges, the abuse of authority charge against Mrs. Kim Geon-hee was dismissed, and the remaining charges were transferred to the prosecution.