Prosecutors Conduct Search and Seizure at Kim Man-bae's Residence Over 'Newstapa False Interview' Case

In connection with the Daejang-dong incident, the prosecution, which is investigating allegations of a 'false interview,' conducted a search and seizure on Kim Man-bae, the major shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management, on the 6th.

Kim Man-bae, major shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

The Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 3 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kang Baek-shin) sent prosecutors and investigators to three locations, including Kim's residence and Hwacheon Daeyu's office, on the morning of the same day to secure related materials on charges of breach of trust and violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

Kim is accused of conspiring with Shin Hak-rim, former chairman of the Media Union and a specialist at Newstapa, to conduct a false interview on September 15, 2021, claiming that President Yoon Seok-yeol had suppressed the investigation into the Busan Savings Bank case in relation to the Daejang-dong project. The report was broadcast through Newstapa on March 6 last year, three days before the presidential election. Kim is also accused of paying Shin 165 million won as compensation for the interview.