Criticism of 'Delayed Investigation' Likely Unavoidable After Complaint Filed Last September

The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (HOCID), which is investigating allegations of external pressure on the Marine Corps investigation, stated that it is "difficult for the time being" to summon and question Lee Jong-seop, the former Minister of National Defense (currently Ambassador to Australia), who is the key figure in the allegations.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 22nd, HOCID sent a message to reporters saying, "Considering that the digital forensic and data analysis work on the seized items related to the case has not been completed, and that investigations of witnesses and others have not been sufficiently conducted, it is our position that summoning and questioning (Ambassador Lee) is difficult for the time being."

They added, "The investigation team will devote maximum effort to the investigation under the given circumstances, then review and evaluate the progress of the investigation, and after consulting with the defense counsel, will notify the date for the summons and questioning."

Ambassador Lee temporarily returned to Korea to attend the meeting of heads of diplomatic missions stationed in the six major defense industry countries. Upon his return, he pressured HOCID by saying, "I hope to have the opportunity to be questioned by HOCID during my stay," and added, "HOCID extended the travel ban, stating that an investigation was necessary, and since there has been sufficient preparation time for the investigation, I naturally expect HOCID to proceed with the summons and questioning this time."

With HOCID stating that it is difficult to investigate Ambassador Lee, it appears unavoidable that they will face criticism for delayed investigation. The fact that months have passed since the complaint was filed in September last year, and after investigations of the complainant and searches of related parties, the data analysis has not been completed, essentially admits that the investigation has not been actively conducted.

The investigation of Ambassador Lee is expected to proceed after investigations of working-level personnel such as Kim Gye-hwan, the Commander of the Marine Corps, have been conducted first.