Seven Locations, Including Former Minister Lee Sangmin's Residence and the National Fire Agency, Raided by Investigators
On July 17, the special investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok launched a search and seizure operation at the residence of former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sangmin.
The special investigation team is conducting searches at seven locations, including Lee Sangmin's residence and the National Fire Agency, in connection with the alleged attempt to control media organizations.
Lee Sangmin is suspected of having ordered the National Fire Agency to cut off electricity and water supplies to media companies during the December 3, 2024 martial law, allegedly under instructions from former President Yoon Sukyeol.
Previously, the special investigation headquarters for martial law under the prosecution determined that former President Yoon Sukyeol had shown a document stating, "At around 24:00, block Hankyoreh, Kyunghyang Shinmun, MBC, JTBC, and the polling flower, and cut off electricity and water via the National Fire Agency."
Investigations revealed that Lee Sangmin called National Police Agency Commissioner General Cho Jiho at 11:34 p.m. on December 3, 2024, immediately after the proclamation was issued, to check on police actions. Three minutes later, he called National Fire Agency Commissioner General Heo Seokgon and instructed, "At around 24:00, police will be deployed to Hankyoreh, Kyunghyang Shinmun, MBC, JTBC, and the polling flower. If the National Police Agency requests cooperation for cutting off electricity and water, please take the necessary measures."
However, Lee Sangmin denies the allegations, stating that he never attempted to cut off electricity or water and that he never received such instructions from former President Yoon Sukyeol.
It is reported that the special investigation team suspects the document in question included instructions to cut off electricity and water to media companies, based on CCTV footage from the presidential office showing Lee Sangmin holding the document on the table in the main reception room while conversing with former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
