The special investigation team led by Lee Myunghyun, which is investigating the allegations of former Minister of National Defense Lee Jongseop fleeing to Australia, will question Sungjae Park, former Minister of Justice, as a suspect on October 24.
On October 17, the special investigation team announced to the media, "The investigation of former Minister Park regarding the Australian ambassador case is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 24th."
Former Minister Park is suspected of aiding the overseas escape of former Minister Lee, who is a key suspect in the alleged external pressure on the investigation into the death of Private Chae, and faces charges including harboring a criminal.
When former Minister Lee was nominated as ambassador to Australia on March 4 last year, he was under a travel ban due to an investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. However, the Ministry of Justice lifted the travel ban on March 7, just three days after his appointment, immediately after Lee appeared before the Corruption Investigation Office for questioning.
Former Minister Lee immediately left the country to assume his post as ambassador to Australia, but as public opinion in Korea rapidly deteriorated, he returned after just 11 days. He then abruptly resigned on March 25, less than a month after his appointment.
The special investigation team plans to closely question former Minister Park about the process of lifting the travel ban on former Minister Lee, the legality of his ambassadorial appointment, and the circumstances surrounding the issuance of his diplomatic passport.
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