Prosecutors Summon 6 Opposition Lawmakers Over Money Envelope Allegations... "Cannot Give Time Indiscriminately"

"Appropriate Measures Within Legal Limits" Suggests Possibility of Forced Investigation

The prosecution has sent 5th and 6th summons letters to incumbent lawmakers accused of accepting money envelopes during the Democratic Party of Korea's party convention, requesting their appearance within this month. Currently, six lawmakers who have not responded to the prosecution's summons include Democratic Party members Baek Hye-ryun, Kim Young-ho, Park Sung-joon, Min Byung-duk, Jeon Yong-gi, and Hwang Un-ha from the Party for Innovation and Justice.

A prosecution official stated on the 5th, "As all the lawmakers indicted on the same charges were recently found guilty, the necessity for suspect investigations has increased," adding, "Now that the court has made a ruling, we believe the lawmakers will cooperate sufficiently." The prosecution also said, "If they fail to appear again, we will take necessary measures within the scope permitted by law," leaving open the possibility of compulsory investigation.

About ten days after Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok ordered a swift and thorough investigation into the allegations regarding First Lady Kim Geon-hee's expensive handbags, a high-ranking personnel reshuffle in the prosecution was carried out. There is speculation that a mid-level personnel reshuffle in the prosecution may take place as early as this week. The photo was taken on the 20th at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Since the end of January, the prosecution has sent multiple summons notices to them, but the lawmakers have not responded. Only former Democratic Party lawmaker Park Young-soon was investigated as a suspect on the 31st of last month.

A prosecution official said, "We believe we have provided many conveniences during the election and the opening of the National Assembly," adding, "Face-to-face investigation is absolutely necessary to confirm the presence or absence of charges, and since a considerable amount of time has passed, we cannot give unlimited time." When asked if there were plans for a visit investigation, the official replied, "We are not considering that," and added, "We will regard their failure to respond without a valid reason as non-cooperation and proceed with the investigation according to necessary procedures and principles." The official also said, "We believe the lawmakers will cooperate before it reaches that point. We are not calling them simply to insult them but to verify facts."

Regarding the TMEF (TMON·WEMAKEPRICE) unsettled payment incident, the prosecution revealed that they have conducted searches of the residences of four related individuals and are analyzing the seized items. Summons investigations of related parties and analysis of accounting accounts are also underway. A prosecution official said, "We are examining all companies related to the Qoo10 group, which caused this incident, without limiting the scope." The prosecution stated, "We are continuously confirming the damage situation and need to hear statements from those who actually worked. The investigations are proceeding simultaneously."