"Destroy the PCs?"... Democratic Party Slams Chung Jinseok Over Alleged Order to Shred Records

Opposition Claims Attempt to Destroy Evidence of Insurrection
"Destroying Records at the End of an Administration Is a Crime"
Presidential Office: "Completely Untrue"

The Democratic Party of Korea has strongly protested after receiving a tip-off alleging that Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jinseok refused to preserve presidential office records and ordered their physical destruction. The presidential office has denied the allegations, calling them "completely untrue" and is considering legal action for spreading false information.

Park Kyungmi, spokesperson for the Democratic Party's election campaign committee, stated in a briefing at the National Assembly on the 27th, "We have received a report from a military intelligence agency official currently dispatched to the presidential office, claiming that Chief Chung instructed, 'We will not hand over anything to the new administration, so destroy PCs and other items by any means necessary.'"

The Democratic Party asserted that if these allegations are true, it would constitute "an attempt to destroy evidence of insurrection," emphasizing that "presidential records are vivid evidence of the 12·3 insurrection and must be preserved." Park warned, "Chief Chung must immediately withdraw the order to destroy all records and ensure their preservation in their original state. If evidence destruction occurs, he will be punished not only for violating the Presidential Records Management Act but also as an accomplice to insurrection."

The Democratic Party also called on Acting President Lee Juho to "immediately assess the situation and halt any attempts to destroy evidence," warning, "If you condone this, you may also be punished as an accomplice to insurrection."

In response, the presidential office immediately refuted the claims, stating, "The Democratic Party's allegations are completely untrue, and we express our strong regret." The office explained, "After directly confirming with the military intelligence agency official identified as the informant, it was verified that no such instructions were given. All presidential records are being managed lawfully in accordance with relevant laws."