'Drug Investigation Pressure' Presidential Office: "Matter to Proceed According to Policy via Justice Minister"

Eastern District Prosecutors' Office to Form Separate 'Baek Haeryong Investigation Team'
Chief Prosecutor Im Eunjung Also Directed to "Make Full Use of Her Authority"

Regarding President Lee Jaemyung's unusual directive to reinforce the investigation team in the probe into alleged external pressure on customs drug investigations, the presidential office stated, "The directive was issued through the Minister of Justice, and Chief Prosecutor Im Eunjung of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office simply needs to proceed in accordance with that policy."

Yonhap News Agency

On the 14th, presidential spokesperson Kim Namjun explained this in a briefing when asked whether the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office's decision to form a separate investigation team led by Inspector Baek Haeryong was in line with President Lee's instructions.

Spokesperson Kim added, "Specific instructions were also given to Chief Prosecutor Im. The directive, delivered through the Minister of Justice, was for Chief Prosecutor Im to make full use of her authority, ensure thoroughness, and facilitate a smooth investigation."

Meanwhile, on the same day, the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office announced that, since Inspector Baek is both the whistleblower and the victim in the allegations of external pressure and cover-up, a separate investigation team, distinct from the joint investigation team, would be formed to avoid concerns over fairness. Inspector Baek will be assigned to investigate cases in which he is not the victim.