Former Spokesperson Bu Seung-chan on 'Cheonggong Suspicion': "My Records Are Correct"

Holding a Book Concert in Hometown Jeju
"We Will Stand Firmly Against the Criminal Complaint"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jung] Former Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Bu Seung-chan, who raised allegations of the fortune teller 'Cheongong' interfering in the decision of the presidential residence through his new book Power and Security - The Defense History of the Moon Jae-in Government and the Cheongong Allegations, stated, "I still believe my records are accurate."

On the afternoon of the 19th, Bu Seung-chan, former spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, held a book concert for his new book "Power and Security - The Defense History of the Moon Jae-in Government and the Cheongong Suspicion" at the Kim Man-deok Memorial Hall in Jeju City.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 19th at 3 p.m., Bu held a book concert for Power and Security - The Defense History of the Moon Jae-in Government and the Cheongong Allegations at the Kim Man-deok Memorial Hall in Jeju City. Jeju is Bu’s hometown.

The event, divided into Part 1 'Talk between Panel and Author' and Part 2 'Dialogue with the Author,' featured Bu explaining, "My book is framed around two main themes: the defense affairs of the Moon Jae-in government and the relocation of the presidential office. Since the core of the presidential office relocation content was 'Cheongong,' I chose the subtitle 'Cheongong Allegations'." He continued, "It would be disrespectful to verify the story I heard from the Chief of Staff that 'Cheongong visited' by asking subordinates, but nonetheless, I cross-checked to confirm the facts," reiterating his stance that his claims are correct.

Regarding the existence of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the official residence, he said, "I do not know whether CCTV records remain. I believe additional witnesses or tips will inevitably come forward." He added, "The support from those around me is a great strength," and declared, "I will face the criminal charges with confidence."

The cover of the new book by Boo Seung-chan, former spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Bu, who served as the last spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense under the Moon Jae-in government, claimed in his book published on the 3rd that on April 1 of last year, during the Missile Strategy Command reorganization ceremony, he heard from then-Army Chief of Staff Nam Young-shin that "Cheongong visited the Army Chief of Staff’s residence in Hannam-dong and the Army Seoul Office located within the Ministry of National Defense compound together with a senior official from the Presidential Transition Committee."

In response, the Presidential Office denied the claim as "completely untrue" and filed a defamation lawsuit against Bu and others. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is currently investigating Bu, former Army Chief of Staff Nam, and other related parties.

Bu graduated from the Air Force Academy and retired as an Air Force major. He earned a doctorate in political science from Yonsei University. His career includes positions as a senior researcher and adjunct professor at Yonsei University’s Institute for Unification Studies, as well as policy advisor roles for the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee and Defense Committee.