29 Related Individuals Questioned,
Confiscated Materials Under Analysis
The police are currently analyzing confiscated materials related to independent lawmaker Lee Choonseok, who is under suspicion for conducting stock transactions under borrowed names, and stated that additional summons may be issued if necessary.
An official from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said at a regular press briefing on the 25th, "A total of seven complaints have been filed regarding Assemblyman Lee's alleged stock transactions under borrowed names," adding, "We have investigated five complainants and, so far, have questioned 29 related individuals."
Assemblyman Lee became embroiled in controversy after a photo was taken on August 4 in the National Assembly main chamber, showing him trading stocks under the name of his aide, Cha. It was later reported that during a police investigation on August 14, where he appeared as a suspect, he partially admitted to the allegations. The police are currently analyzing the stock transaction records and computer data seized during the search and seizure to verify the truthfulness of the statements.
Regarding the decision to clear First Lady Kim Jung-sook of suspicion over the "clothing expenses allegations," the police explained, "We conducted a wide-ranging investigation, including a search and seizure at the Presidential Archives, but found no evidence or circumstances to substantiate the allegations."
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit decided not to refer the case for prosecution on July 29, concluding that there was "no suspicion" regarding the alleged loss of state funds under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. The police confirmed that official gift certificates were used for payment at the time of Mrs. Kim's clothing purchase but concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove these were special activity funds.
Regarding suspicions of orchestrators behind the Seoul Western District Court disturbance incident, the police stated that they are currently analyzing the mobile phone voluntarily submitted by Shin Hyesik, head of the conservative YouTube channel "Shinuihansu." Shin is under suspicion, along with Pastor Jun Kwanghoon of Sarang Jeil Church, of inciting the disturbance at the Western District Court (including charges of instigating unlawful entry into special buildings and obstruction of official duties).
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