Min Joongki Says "Negotiating Between Two Final Office Locations"
Min Joongki, the special prosecutor appointed to investigate allegations involving Kim Keonhee, the wife of former President Yoon Sukyeol, stated that he believes a face-to-face investigation with Kim will take place.
On June 17, during a meeting with reporters at a law office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Special Prosecutor Min said, "There has been no separate contact from Kim's side," while expressing his expectation for the investigation.
On the afternoon of June 16, Kim was admitted to Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, due to a worsening of a chronic illness. A lawyer representing Kim stated, "I understand that hospitalization had been continuously recommended." In response, Special Prosecutor Min said, "I learned about Kim's hospitalization through media reports," and added, "Once the special prosecutors are appointed, we will gradually discuss the direction of the investigation."
The special prosecutor's office is expected to begin a full-scale investigation as soon as the deputy special prosecutors are appointed. Min said, "I have requested a prompt appointment, and I understand that various procedures, including vetting, are currently underway," adding, "I expect the appointments to be made soon." Previously, on June 15, Min recommended eight candidates for deputy special prosecutor to the presidential office.
According to the Kim Keonhee Special Prosecutor Act, the president must appoint four deputy special prosecutors within five days of receiving the request. If the president does not make the appointments within the specified period, the oldest among the recommended candidates is deemed appointed. The appointed deputy special prosecutors will be responsible for investigating cases related to the allegations, maintaining indictments in prosecuted cases, and supervising and directing special investigators and public officials dispatched from relevant agencies.
Regarding the dispatch of prosecutors and other personnel, Min said, "We are receiving recommendations for investigators, examiners, and prosecutors, and are in the process of compiling a list," adding, "After visiting the relevant agencies that will investigate the cases, we will finalize the specific list." These visits to relevant agencies are expected to take place after the deputy special prosecutors are appointed.
Once the four deputy special prosecutors are determined, Min is expected to use the preparation period to finalize the lists of 40 dispatched prosecutors, 80 dispatched public officials, and 80 special investigators, as well as to focus on securing office space. Regarding the office, Min stated, "We are in the process of negotiating and completing procedures for two final candidate locations."
After the 20-day preparation period, a full-scale investigation is expected to begin in early July. The cases to be investigated by the Kim Keonhee special prosecutor include the alleged stock price manipulation involving Deutsche Motors, the alleged acceptance of a luxury handbag, and allegations of state affairs and personnel intervention by Myung Taegyun and Geonjin Beopsa, among others. The total investigation period, including the preparation period, is up to 170 days.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
