[2022 National Audit] Former Bithumb CEO Lee Jeong-hoon Absent from Hearing... Political Affairs Committee "Considering Criminal Charges"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Lee Jeong-hoon, former CEO of Bithumb, who was summoned as a witness at the National Assembly's Financial Services Commission audit by the Political Affairs Committee, has gone missing.

On the afternoon of the 6th, immediately after the audit questioning, the Political Affairs Committee held a full meeting and unanimously approved the issuance of a summons for Lee. Afterwards, National Assembly Secretariat staff were sent to Lee's residence but were unable to meet him.

The Political Affairs Committee is considering criminal charges. Baek Hye-ryeon, chairperson of the committee, stated, "Witness Lee Jeong-hoon was not at home, and despite attempts to contact him through his company and family for two hours, he has disappeared," adding, "We will decide on filing a criminal complaint after consulting with the ruling and opposition party floor leaders."

Meanwhile, Lee had submitted a letter of absence to the committee members on the 30th of last month, stating that "due to health issues and ongoing criminal litigation, it is difficult to appear as a witness at the audit on the 6th." He explained, "Since 2020, I have been diagnosed with severe depression and panic disorder. I have been unable to engage in normal activities such as meeting outsiders, and have long since stepped down from management."