Prosecutors' Office Investigates Brother-in-Law's Wife as Witness in Lee Jeong-seop Prosecutor Misconduct Allegation Report

The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (Hugoong) summoned Kang Mijeong, spokesperson for the Jokuk Innovation Party, who reported various allegations of misconduct against Prosecutor Lee Jeongseop of the Daejeon High Prosecutors' Office (53), on the 25th for questioning as a witness.

Spokesperson Kang is the sister-in-law of Prosecutor Lee, and she is known to have submitted materials related to suspicions of her husband's drug investigation cover-up, which were previously submitted to the prosecution, to Hugoong. Before her appearance, Kang told reporters, "I am cooperating fully with the investigation," and added, "I hope the investigation is conducted accurately and swiftly."

Kang Mijeok, spokesperson of the Jukguk Innovation Party, who reported various allegations of misconduct against Prosecutor Lee Jeongseop, is appearing for a witness investigation at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, last December. (Photo by Yonhap News)

Last year, Spokesperson Kang raised allegations against Prosecutor Lee regarding his false address registration, unauthorized access to criminal records, and cover-up suspicions related to his brother-in-law's drug investigation. Based on this, the Democratic Party of Korea filed complaints against Prosecutor Lee with both the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and Hugoong in October-November last year for violations of the National Public Service Act and other charges. At the time of the report, Kang was working as a freelance announcer and was recruited by the Jokuk Innovation Party last month.

The Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office conducted a search and seizure of the related golf course in November last year. Prosecutor Lee, who was the deputy chief of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, was transferred to the Daejeon High Prosecutors' Office. At the end of last year, an impeachment motion was passed in the National Assembly, and he is currently undergoing impeachment trial.

According to the Hugoong Act, the head of Hugoong may request transfer of cases to other investigative agencies considering fairness controversies. However, it is uncertain at this stage whether Hugoong will request the transfer of cases related to Prosecutor Lee.