Special Prosecutor Team Conducts Search and Seizure of Park Sungjae, Shim Woojeong, Lee Changsoo, and Others
Summons Schedule for Kim Giheon Over 'Roger Vivier' Bag Allegations Under Discussion
The special prosecutor team led by Min Junggi has issued a summons to Lee Changsoo, former Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, who is under suspicion for allegedly accepting a luxury Dior bag from First Lady Kim Keonhee and for covering up the investigation into the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case. The special prosecutor team has also launched a compulsory investigation into Lee, as well as Park Sungjae, former Minister of Justice; Kim Juhyun, former Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs; and Shim Woojeong, former Prosecutor General, in connection with these allegations.
Lee Changsoo, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, is attending the first impeachment trial hearing held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul on February 17, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongju
During a regular briefing, Special Prosecutor Park Nosu stated, "We have been conducting searches and seizures since this morning in relation to the investigation cover-up allegations. The targets include the offices, vehicles, mobile phones, and work PCs of former Minister Park, former Senior Secretary Kim, former Prosecutor General Shim, former Chief Prosecutor Lee, and prosecutors involved in the Dior bag case investigation at that time." Including the four aforementioned individuals, a total of eight people-such as Park Seunghwan, former First Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office-are subject to the search and seizure.
He added, "We have notified former Chief Prosecutor Lee and the prosecutors who handled the investigation at the time to appear at the special prosecutor's office at 10 a.m. on the 22nd for questioning, as further investigation is needed to verify the contents of materials obtained earlier this month. The prosecutors responsible for the practical work are at the deputy chief level or below." However, it is reported that their attendance has not yet been confirmed.
The special prosecutor team plans to investigate these allegations as thoroughly as possible within the limited remaining investigation period. Special Prosecutor Park stated, "Realistically, it appears difficult to conclude the investigation into the cover-up allegations within the remaining period. If we are unable to conclude, we will transfer the case to the relevant authorities in accordance with the law, but we intend to continue necessary investigations based on the materials secured within the remaining time." The special prosecutor team's investigation period runs until the 28th.
Meanwhile, the special prosecutor team is also coordinating a summons schedule with Kim Giheon, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, in connection with allegations of gifting a Roger Vivier bag. The previous day, the team conducted a compulsory investigation into Kim and his wife, including searches of their home and Kim's National Assembly office.
Kim's spouse, Ms. Lee, is suspected of delivering a luxury Roger Vivier bag worth approximately 2.6 million won to First Lady Kim after Kim was elected as the party leader in the People Power Party election in March 2023. It is reported that the search and seizure warrant also named Kim as an accomplice in the alleged violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.
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