Nam Wook Attorney: After the first interview before returning to the country, Kim Man-bae mentioned 2 to 3 times over the phone something to the effect of, "Still, you were on the same boat with Mayor Lee Jae-myung, so consider that." At that time, although I’m not sure about the exact timing, he also said he was writing a 'suicide note,' which shook me deeply psychologically. (Omitted) So that’s why I said in the interview that it didn’t make any sense at all, but I didn’t expect it to become such an issue...
On the 9th, Nam Wook, an attorney linked to the 'Daejang-dong gang,' claimed that before returning from the United States last year, there was an attempt by Kim Man-bae to persuade him to deny lobbying allegations related to Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, saying "it didn’t make any sense at all."
On this day, Nam testified as a witness at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 22 (Presiding Judge Lee Jun-cheol) during the continuation of the trial concerning the preferential development allegations in Daejang-dong and responded to related questions from the prosecutor.
◆Nam Wook: "The project was led by 'Lee Jae-myung' while securing public and private benefits"
The prosecutor asked Nam, "Isn’t it true that the clause 'excluding construction companies' in the consortium guidelines was included because the demands of Kim Man-bae, who supported the re-election campaign funds, accountant Jung Young-hak, and other witnesses were conveyed through former Seongnam Urban Development Corporation head Yoo Dong-gyu and approved by Mayor Lee?"
Nam replied, "I’m not sure about the exact procedures, but I was certainly aware that construction companies would be excluded," and added, "It is also true that Mayor Lee made the final decision." Furthermore, "I believe the project was carried out under 'Lee Jae-myung’s leadership' while officially securing confirmed profits through negotiations and also securing private benefits," and "it became a joint venture between the public and private sectors since they shared equity," he said.
Earlier, when Nam returned to the country last October for prosecution investigation, he gave an interview to the comprehensive programming channel JTBC, saying, "Having observed that person for 12 years, how many times do you think I tried? It didn’t make any sense at all." JTBC reported that 'that person' referred to Lee Jae-myung.
Some pointed out that the interview remark "it didn’t make any sense at all" contradicts recent prosecution statements that political funds were given to Lee.
However, Nam explained in court on the 5th, "The wording itself is true. Officially, Lee Jae-myung doesn’t listen at all," adding, "Everything was done by the subordinates. Since it’s speculation, I can’t speak carelessly because I’m worried."
◆Kim Man-bae’s side: "Nam Wook’s testimony seems baseless"
On this day, Kim’s side again pointed out the lack of credibility in Nam’s testimony. Kim’s attorney asked, "According to the suspect’s interrogation record, the witness testified, 'According to what I heard from Kim Man-bae, money went to the chairman of Airline A, and that money was circulated by the chairman of Airline A to the Promise Club, and there are people waiting to receive money from the chairman of Airline A.' Are you sure this came from Kim?"
Nam replied, "Additionally, he said, 'Young-hak doesn’t know about this,'" and when asked, "Did you believe that?" he said, "He wouldn’t have lied about everything," but also admitted, "Honestly, I’m not sure if I still believe it."
Nam: I understand it is under investigation.
Additionally, Kim’s side asked about Nam’s statement during a phone call with a reporter that "Among the prosecutors under Yoon Seok-youl, there are so many who received money from Kim Man-bae that this case cannot be investigated," and what he meant by calling the prosecutors "dokgodai" (lone wolves). Nam replied, "That expression was used regardless of such matters to proceed with the investigation," and Kim’s side criticized, "The witness’s testimony seems baseless."
Nam explained, "If you ask me like that, I have a lot to say," and added, "That’s what I heard. Kim told me every time we met that he played golf daily because of that, and I believed him."
The court concluded the witness examination of Nam on this day and decided to proceed with the witness examination of former Seongnam Urban Development Corporation Strategic Business Director Jung Min-yong from the next trial session.
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