Pro-Moon Faction Criticizes "Stalking-Level Investigation"... Prosecution Calls It "False Information"

Regarding the criticism by pro-Moon Jae-in faction lawmakers of the Democratic Party of Korea on the 12th, who described the investigation into former President Moon's ex-son-in-law as being at a 'stalking level,' the prosecution rebutted, stating that "the investigation is conducted solely based on evidence and legal principles."

On the same afternoon, the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office stated, "The prosecution is conducting the investigation cautiously within the necessary limits based on warrants lawfully issued by the court."

Members and elected officials of the Democratic Party of Korea are holding a press conference on the morning of the 12th at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding the investigation surrounding former President Moon Jae-in. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding allegations that a person presumed to be a prosecutor entered the bathhouse operated by the former president Moon's ex-in-law, the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office clarified, "Claims that prosecutors or others disguised themselves as customers to bathe or loitered in front of the bathhouse are completely unfounded and false." Concerning reports that the prosecutor in charge mentioned former President Moon's custody to a witness, they drew a clear line, stating, "This is entirely false and untrue."

The Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office added, "Regarding the family of the former president's ex-son-in-law, we requested their appearance for investigation into their overseas migration history and financial transactions, but they did not comply, leading us to request on-site investigations twice." They explained, "The first attempt to meet failed, and the second time, the investigation was entirely refused, so the witness investigation could not be conducted."

They continued, "The prosecution is taking all necessary measures to protect human rights, including allowing witnesses, who are not suspects, to be investigated in the presence of legal counsel," and stated, "We will continue to adhere to lawful procedures and do our best to ascertain the substantive truth."

On the same day, 22nd National Assembly members-elect from the Democratic Party, including Yoon Geon-young, Lee Seong-yoon, and Jin Seong-jun, who worked under the Moon Jae-in administration, held a press conference at the National Assembly, claiming, "The prosecution is conducting illegal 'dusting off' investigations around the former president." They stated, "The prosecutor in charge at the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office continuously and repeatedly harassed the mother of the ex-son-in-law," and presented specific cases suggesting illegal investigation circumstances, saying, "At this level, it is not an investigation but stalking."

Meanwhile, the Criminal Division 3 of the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Seung-hak) is investigating allegations of preferential employment at an airline involving Moon's ex-son-in-law, Seo Mo. Despite lacking practical experience, Seo was employed in July 2018, early in the Moon Jae-in administration, as an executive director of Thai VietJet, a Thai low-cost airline established with funds from Eastar Jet by former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik. The Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office has been conducting intensive investigations, summoning Seo and former Blue House officials including former personnel chief Cho Hyun-ok, former public service discipline secretary Kim Jong-ho, former civil affairs secretary Baek Won-woo, former Minister of SMEs and Startups Hong Jong-hak, and former Deputy Minister of SMEs and Startups Choi Soo-gyu for questioning until recently.