Concluded Without Indictment After 180 Days and Six Travel Bans
“Rumors of Running for Jeju Governor Are Groundless... Focusing on Study for the Future”
Former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Heeryong (left) and a post he uploaded on his Facebook immediately after the final investigation results of the ‘Minjungki Special Prosecutor’ were announced on the 29th. The special prosecutor conducted an intensive investigation over the past six months into allegations of route changes on the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway, but on this day, decided not to prosecute former Minister Won. Photo by Park Changwon
The investigation by the ‘Minjungki Special Prosecutor Team,’ which had shaken South Korea’s political landscape for the past six months, concluded today (the 29th) with the announcement of its final results. After an intensive 180-day investigation, the special prosecutor stated that it would not indict former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Heeryong and added that the remaining cases would be transferred to the National Office of Investigation.
Immediately after the special prosecutor’s announcement, former Minister Won responded by posting a brief but emphatic message on his Facebook: “Even after six months of the special prosecutor’s investigation, there is no ‘Won Heeryong.’”
The image posted by former Minister Won features a strong declaration of his innocence, with white text on a black background. This is interpreted as an official statement that he has overcome the humiliation of being designated as the “first target” of the special prosecutor’s investigation when it was launched in July and being subjected to six travel bans.
In fact, the special prosecutor’s team conducted a wide-ranging investigation into the allegations of route changes on the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway, including a search and seizure of the minister’s office, but concluded its work without summoning former Minister Won even once. The special prosecutor announced, “The remaining cases will be handed over to the National Office of Investigation so that the involvement of higher-level officials in the route change can be clarified.”
With former Minister Won now free from immediate judicial risk due to the special prosecutor’s decision, there is growing speculation in Yeouido and Jeju political circles that he may run for a third term as Jeju Governor or enter the party leadership race in the local elections next June.
However, a close aide to former Minister Won drew a clear line regarding these “early comeback” rumors in a statement to this publication. The aide dismissed the speculation, saying, “We have absolutely no interest in the rumors about running for Jeju Governor mentioned in the media. They are completely unfounded.”
He further stated, “Former Minister Won has suffered deep psychological and physical wounds from the prolonged special prosecutor’s investigation and the recent tense ‘martial law situation.’ For the time being, he will distance himself from active politics, focus on self-reflection and study, and use this period to build his capabilities as a ‘future leader.’”
This stance from former Minister Won’s camp is interpreted as a determination to prepare for bigger goals, such as a future presidential bid, rather than seeking immediate electoral victory. The direct reference to ‘psychological and physical wounds’ also suggests both self-reproach for not fulfilling his political responsibilities during turbulent times and an intention to contemplate new leadership to overcome the current crisis.
Having overcome the formidable challenge of the special prosecutor’s investigation, Won Heeryong now enters a period of reflection. Attention is focused on what kind of butterfly effect his chosen “time for introspection” will have on the future of the conservative camp and the political landscape in Jeju.
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