Key Figures from Kim Gunhee, Rebellion, and Marine Special Prosecutor Teams Included
Former Prosecutor Kim Sangmin to Testify on "Nomination Solicitation to Kim Gunhee"
Kim Gunhee, Expected Not to Attend, Excluded from Witness List
Key figures who have become subjects of investigation by the three major special prosecutor teams-those probing Kim Gunhee, the rebellion case, and the death of Private Chae-have been selected en masse as witnesses for the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee's audit. Since many of these individuals are currently under investigation or on trial, a significant number are expected not to appear. However, some have expressed their intention to attend in person, drawing attention.
According to the legal community on October 12, former prosecutor Kim Sangmin, who is under investigation by the special prosecutor team for Kim Gunhee, is scheduled to appear as a witness at the committee's audit on October 14.
Kim Sangmin was indicted and detained on October 2 on charges of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. He allegedly handed over a painting by artist Lee Ufan ("From Point No.800298") to Kim Gunhee's brother, Kim Jinwoo, for 140 million won in exchange for a nomination in the general election. After failing to secure the nomination, he was appointed as a legal advisor to the National Intelligence Service just four months later, making him a central figure in allegations that Kim Gunhee's side exerted undue influence.
The special prosecutor team is focusing its investigation on whether Kim Gunhee exercised improper influence over public appointments. While serving at the National Intelligence Service, Kim Sangmin authored a report regarding the attack on President Lee Jaemyung, stating that it was "difficult to view as a terrorist act," which sparked controversy over downplaying the incident. He has stated that he simply judged it to be a personal crime unrelated to any terrorist organization under current law, and is expected to clarify his position directly at the audit.
Former Chief Prosecutor Kim Sangmin, who is suspected of handing over an expensive painting to First Lady Kim Gunhee and requesting nomination, is responding to reporters' questions as he appears at the pre-arrest detention hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News
From Official Residence Relocation to Board of Audit and Inspection Allegations... The Board of Audit and Inspection Audit Becomes the Second Battleground
The audit of the Board of Audit and Inspection scheduled for October 16 will include several individuals involved in the "presidential residence relocation preferential treatment allegations," which is one of the targets of the special prosecutor's investigation into Kim Gunhee. The controversy centers on allegations that, following former President Yoon Sukyeol's inauguration, an unqualified company called "21Gram" participated in the relocation and expansion of the official residence and received preferential treatment.
The witness list includes Kim Taeyoung, CEO of 21Gram, the CEO of Hyundai Engineering & Construction who was involved in the construction of the security post and screen golf facility, as well as Choi Jaehae, Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, and Yoo Byungho, Audit Commissioner, both of whom have faced criticism for inadequate audits.
However, as CEO Kim and others also failed to attend the audit by the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee last year, it remains uncertain whether they will actually be questioned this time.
Kim Gunhee herself was initially listed as a witness related to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office and Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, but was ultimately excluded from the final list. Jang Kyungtae, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, had planned to question the prosecution's inadequate investigation into the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case and other matters, but with Kim Gunhee's absence now certain, her selection as a witness was canceled.
Yoo Kyungok, former presidential secretary and former aide to Kim Gunhee, was also identified as the person who exchanged a Chanel bag with Unification Church figure Jeon Seongbae (also known as Geonjin Bopsa), but is also expected not to attend and was excluded.
Multiple individuals under investigation by the rebellion and Marine special prosecutor teams have also been summoned. Former Minister of Justice Park Sungjae, who is under investigation by the rebellion special prosecutor team, currently has an arrest warrant requested for his alleged involvement in key tasks related to the rebellion.
He was originally selected as a witness for the Ministry of Justice audit on October 14, but as his pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for the morning of that day, his appearance has been rescheduled for October 24 and 27.
Shim Woojeong, former Prosecutor General, who is suspected of having received instructions from former Minister Park Sungjae to dispatch prosecutors during the 12·3 Martial Law, has been summoned as a witness on three occasions: October 14, 23, and 27.
Among those involved in the Marine special prosecutor's investigation into the death of Private Chae, several are on the witness list, including former Vice Minister of National Defense Shin Beomcheol, former head of the Ministry of National Defense's prosecution team Kim Donghyuk, former presidential secretary for national defense Im Kihun, former Marine Corps Commandant Kim Gyehwan, and former 1st Marine Division Commander Im Seonggeun.
They are expected to be at the center of partisan clashes over testimony regarding the circumstances of the Marine's death and whether the Ministry of National Defense intervened in the investigation.
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