"What Did the Yoon Couple Order? Why 'Delivery App' Usage Records Were Included in the Search and Seizure"

Easier to Verify Actual Residence Than via Mobile Phone
Yoon's Side Refutes as "Public Shaming"

The Acrovista residence of former President Yoon Seokyeol, which was raided by prosecutors to investigate allegations of bribery and other charges. Photo by Yoon Dongju

It has been reported that the search and seizure warrant executed on April 30 at former President Yoon Seokyeol's residence included "delivery application (app) usage records" among the items to be seized, raising questions.

This information was relayed on May 7 by attorneys who were present at the scene during the search. It is interpreted that prosecutors sought to determine when, what kind of food, and to which location either former President Yoon or Kim Keonhee had food delivered.

Prosecutors have been using delivery app addresses as key evidence in various cases. While it is possible to track a person's real-time location via mobile phones, there can be discrepancies in apartment buildings regarding floor and unit numbers, and if a suspect turns off their phone, such tracking becomes useless. In contrast, delivery apps require users to enter their exact address themselves, which is advantageous for identifying actual residences.

Former President Yoon's side immediately protested, calling this an act of "public shaming." However, it has been reported that prosecutors have decided to actively utilize delivery app usage records to verify the actual residences of key figures while investigating the recent Geonjin Bopsa allegations.

An industry expert explained, "In the past, investigators would physically visit a suspect's apartment, check the names on mail, or look for vehicles actually being used, in what was called 'investigating on foot' to find evidence. Now, it is common to mobilize electronic device IP addresses, card transaction records, and even delivery app information."