Ministry of Justice Decides on Permanent Special Prosecutor Investigation into "Cash Envelope Band Seal Loss" and "External Pressure in Coupang Case" Allegations

"Truth and Responsibility Behind Allegations Must Be Clearly Determined"

The Ministry of Justice will conduct a permanent special prosecutor investigation into the prosecution's "cash envelope band seal loss allegations" and the "alleged external pressure not to indict in the Coupang severance pay case."

Jeong Seongho, Minister of Justice, is responding to a lawmaker's question during the Legislative and Judiciary Committee's audit of the Ministry of Justice held at the National Assembly on October 14, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On October 24, Minister of Justice Jeong Seongho stated, "We have determined that an independent third-party institution must objectively verify the facts related to these allegations and clearly determine the truth and responsibility," adding, "In accordance with Article 2, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 1 of the Act on the Appointment of Special Prosecutors, we have decided to initiate an investigation by a permanent special prosecutor."

The relevant law specifies as subjects of investigation: ▲ cases in which the National Assembly resolves in a plenary session that an investigation by a special prosecutor is necessary for reasons such as political neutrality and fairness; and ▲ cases in which the Minister of Justice determines that an investigation by a special prosecutor is necessary due to conflicts of interest or concerns about fairness.

The Ministry of Justice stated, "Although the prosecution has utilized all available resources to determine the circumstances, the allegations have not been fully resolved, leading to ongoing controversy. We will actively cooperate with the special prosecutor to ensure that the facts of the case are thoroughly and clearly established."

The special prosecutor's investigation will proceed through subsequent procedures, such as the recommendation of special prosecutor candidates by the National Assembly's Special Prosecutor Candidate Recommendation Committee, in accordance with the Act on the Appointment of Special Prosecutors.