In February 2021, Suh Hoon, Director of the National Security Office at the Blue House (left), and Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, are attending the Central Integrated Defense Meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Sejong-ro, Seoul, and are engaged in conversation. [Photo by Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] It was confirmed on the 29th that former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won and former Blue House National Security Office Chief Seo Hoon refused the Board of Audit and Inspection's request to appear for an investigation related to the 'West Sea Public Official Killing Incident.'
On the 23rd, the Board of Audit and Inspection requested former Director Park to appear and undergo a related investigation. However, former Director Park reportedly did not comply with the appearance request, citing reasons such as the ongoing prosecution investigation. Former Chief Seo also refused the Board of Audit and Inspection's appearance request for similar reasons.
The prosecution investigating the case conducted a search and seizure at the two individuals' residences on the 16th of last month. Former Director Park is suspected of unauthorized deletion of intelligence-related reports concerning the situation when Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official Lee Dae-jun was killed by North Korean forces in September 2020. Former Chief Seo was reported to the prosecution by the bereaved families on charges including abuse of authority and damage to official electronic records.
Separately, the Board of Audit and Inspection launched a related audit in June. At that time, the Board stated in a press release, "We plan to conduct a thorough examination of the initial reporting process and procedures, as well as the legality and appropriateness of the handling of the work."
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