Jung Jin-sang, former Chief of Political Coordination Office at the Democratic Party of Korea Representative Office Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] As the prosecution's investigation into the 'Daejang-dong development preferential treatment' and the 'West Sea shooting' incidents reaches higher-ups, pressure from former government officials and opposition parties is intensifying day by day. Amid this, the prosecution plans to indict Jeong Jin-sang, a close aide to Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and former Political Coordination Officer of the party leader's office, on the 9th. With the prosecution now seemingly targeting Lee directly, the political offensive is likely to reach its peak.
According to the legal community on the 8th, the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Eom Hee-jun) intends to indict Jeong before his detention period expires on the 11th. Since the 10th and 11th fall on the weekend when the prosecution and courts are closed, the indictment is expected to be decided on the 9th.
Jeong is accused of receiving bribes worth approximately 140 million KRW from the Daejang-dong group between 2013 and 2020. He is reported to deny all charges against him. In this regard, he has exercised his right to remain silent during the prosecution's investigation. Although the prosecution pressed him on his collusion with the Daejang-dong group, the profit distribution process of the Daejang-dong development, and Lee's involvement, he ultimately did not speak. The prosecution appears unfazed and is preparing to indict Jeong, believing that the real battle should be fought in court. They have expressed confidence, stating they have secured sufficient evidence to prove Jeong's charges.
Attention is also focused on the contents of Jeong's indictment that the prosecution will use upon indictment. In particular, how Lee will be specifically mentioned is crucial, as it could provide a glimpse into the prosecution's future investigation of Lee. When the prosecution requested Jeong's arrest warrant from the court on the 16th of last month, they described his long-standing relationship with Lee in detail, referring to the two as a 'political community.' This expression may reappear in Jeong's indictment.
Jeong's trial is expected to be significantly influenced by the trials of former Seongnam Urban Development Corporation Planning Director Yoon Dong-gyu, lawyer Nam Wook, and Kim Man-bae. Depending on the court's judgment, there is also a possibility of consolidating the trials. Lawyer Nam has been continuing his revelations both inside and outside the courtroom, seemingly aiming to disclose the full story of the Daejang-dong case. He testified that the shares of 'Cheonhadongin No. 1,' which gained enormous profits from the Daejang-dong development project, belong to Lee. In court, he stated, "Kim Man-bae said he only had 12.5%, but actually, out of the 49% under his name, the remaining 37.4% is Lee's side's shares."
In response to the successive revelations, Lee said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly the day before, "I think the prosecution might have coached Nam Wook on how to act." In reply, lawyer Nam appeared at the Central District Prosecutors' Office that same afternoon and said, "I am very sorry that the person who cast me pointed out my poor acting," adding, "This work is not a movie but a documentary."
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