Seo Jungwook: "Yoon Confident of Innocence, Kim Struggling... Never Saw a Dog Swimming"

Seo Jungwook, Close Associate of Former President Yoon and His Wife, Speaks on Radio
"Optimistic About Rebellion Trial... Witnesses' Statements Don't Make Sense"
'Pet Dog Swimming Pool' Allegation Called "Petty and Embarrassing"

Seo Jungwook, a political commentator and lawyer known to be close to former President Yoon Sukyeol and his wife, stated that former President Yoon is confident in his innocence. In an interview on MBC Radio's 'Kwon Soonpyo's News High Kick' on the 9th, Seo said, "I saw former President Yoon when he left the party recently (on May 17). The former president is currently quite optimistic and healthy, but (Kim Keonhee) seems to be struggling mentally, which I found unfortunate."

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is leaving the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after attending the 6th trial session on charges of leading a rebellion and abuse of authority obstructing the exercise of rights on the afternoon of the 9th. He is responding to questions from the press. Photo by Joint Press Corps

When the host asked, "Is former President Yoon optimistic? He wasn't originally a pessimistic type, was he?" Seo replied, "That's right. Regarding the trial, he says things like, 'This is 100% not guilty,' and 'The witnesses' statements don't make sense.'" When the host asked, "Does he really believe he is innocent?" Seo responded, "He truly does. When I defended former President Lee Myungbak in the past, I also told him, 'Don't worry, you're 100% not guilty.' (In the end) he was found guilty, but I think you need that level of confidence to become president. President Lee Jaemyung also endured trials that would have been difficult for ordinary people and ultimately made it to the election."

On this day, former President Yoon attended the sixth trial session on charges including leading a rebellion, held by the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 25 (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun). He again denied the allegation that he ordered former Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jonggeun to "drag out the lawmakers." He stated, "As I am undergoing a constitutional trial, I believe the judges also have some misunderstandings about reality," and added, "The video conference at the Ministry of National Defense command and control center immediately after the declaration of martial law was just the minister giving words of encouragement to commanders nationwide, and ending with a simple 'good job.' I have never heard of a video conference being held in the middle." He further claimed, "I cannot know for certain whether the Special Warfare Commander received various instructions from superiors during a video conference."

Facilities at the presidential residence suspected to be a 'pet dog swimming pool.' Photo by Honggeun Park Facebook

Regarding allegations that an excessive amount of water has been used at former President Yoon's official residence, leading to speculation within political circles about a so-called 'pet dog swimming pool,' Seo said, "I've been to the residence several times, but I've never seen a dog swimming there. In the past, when the King of the United Arab Emirates was visiting and the place looked too empty, a small landscaping feature was added," he claimed. He continued, "I asked juniors who had worked at the residence for a long time if they had ever seen a dog swimming there, and they said 'no.' I don't think it's a place for dogs to swim." He added, "It's petty and embarrassing to even be talking about things like this."

Regarding the investigation into Kim Keonhee, Seo said, "She probably feels the investigative pressure as political retaliation. I don't believe she accepted (the luxury handbag), but even if she had received it from Geonjin Bopsa, would she have kept it at home? The search and seizure of the private residence was meant to humiliate her, and I've heard that these things have been very difficult for her." He continued, "I've heard that she is struggling both physically and mentally. Since she has never been near a police station or prosecutor's office, it must be especially hard for her. With the special prosecutor closing in and the prosecution summoning her, I understand that she is having a tough time."

Meanwhile, the three major special prosecutor bills (the Rebellion Special Prosecutor Act, the Kim Keonhee Special Prosecutor Act, and the Chae Sangbyeong Special Prosecutor Act), which passed the National Assembly led by the Democratic Party of Korea, have been placed on the agenda for the Cabinet meeting presided over by President Lee Jaemyung at 10 a.m. on June 10. There are expectations that the special prosecutor could be launched as early as this weekend.