Park Ji-won, NIS 'Won Hoon-seok' Replacement Investigation "An Issue I Am Unaware Of"

"Would Won Hoon-seok have taken money?
Would he have moved a stone into the main room?"

Former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Park Ji-won stated on the 19th that "I do not know what the matter is" regarding the investigation request made by the NIS on the 17th over allegations that he exerted pressure during the replacement of the NIS's 'Wonhun Stone' while in office.

On the 19th, former Director Park said through Facebook, "I have not received any contact from anywhere regarding the investigation request related to the replacement of the Wonhun Stone."

Former Director Park wrote, "I learned the facts through media reports and calls from reporters, so I reiterate that I do not know what the matter is," adding, "Would I have received money from the Wonhun Stone? Would I have moved that heavy stone into our living room?"

He further emphasized, "It is a matter I do not know."

However, he said he will sincerely participate in the trial scheduled for the 24th concerning the 'West Sea Civil Servant Shooting Incident.' Park stated, "During the prosecution investigation, I directly explained and objected to any unfair matters, but since I have been indicted and the trial has begun, my opinions will be argued by my lawyer inside and outside the courtroom as necessary."

Earlier, the NIS requested an investigation by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on former Director Park over allegations of exerting pressure during the replacement of the Wonhun Stone. During Park's tenure in June 2021, the NIS changed the Wonhun to "Boundless loyalty and devotion to the nation and the people" and replaced the Wonhun Stone. The new Wonhun Stone featured the handwriting style called 'Shin Young-bok style,' modeled after the late Professor Shin Young-bok of SungKongHoe University, who served 20 years in prison for violating the National Security Law, which drew criticism for being inappropriate.