Prosecutor Eom Heejoon Appears Before Special Prosecutor Over 'Coupang Investigation Pressure' Allegations: "One-Sided False Claims"

First Summons as a Suspect on Charges of Abuse of Authority

The special prosecutor team led by Kwonseop Ahn, which is investigating allegations of Coupang case cover-up and unpaid severance pay, summoned Eom Heejoon, prosecutor at the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office (former head of the Bucheon Branch of the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office), for questioning as a suspect on January 9.

Prosecutor Heejoon Eom of the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office, who is accused of exerting pressure on Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jiseok Moon, who was investigating allegations of unpaid severance pay at Coupang, appeared at the office of Special Prosecutor Kwonseop Ahn in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 9th and responded to reporters' questions. Photo by Yonhap News

The special prosecutor team began questioning Prosecutor Eom as a suspect on charges of abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights from around 10 a.m. that day. This is the first time since the launch of the special prosecutor team that Eom, a key suspect, has been summoned. Eom is accused of pressuring Deputy Chief Prosecutor Moon Jiseok, who was investigating allegations of unpaid severance pay at Coupang in early last year while serving as head of the Bucheon branch, to clear the company of charges.

Upon arriving for questioning, Eom responded to reporters' questions regarding Deputy Chief Prosecutor Moon Jiseok's claim that there was external pressure during the investigation, stating, "It is a one-sided false allegation," and added, "I plan to provide a sufficient and proactive explanation to the special prosecutor team based on objective evidence."

Eom further stated, "Objective evidence remains in the prosecution's messenger computer system and other records as of the report on April 18 last year," and explained, "It was reported that 'Deputy Chief Prosecutor Moon is making these claims and has these opinions about the evidence. Deputy Chief Prosecutor Moon believes that these matters require further review.' That report and the related evidence remain."

He continued, "The decision at the time was the best possible conclusion," adding, "Sixteen cases were cleared of charges, and there was also a not-guilty verdict. After reviewing the not-guilty verdict, I judged that there were no legal issues. The lead prosecutor's opinion was also not to indict from the very beginning."

When asked whether there were any differing opinions from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Eom replied, "We acted under the direction of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. All sixteen cases were cleared of charges, and this case was also handled in the same manner under their guidance, which is why it was cleared."

Eom concluded, "I question whether it is appropriate to create such a major issue based on false claims," and added, "I believe the special prosecutor will reveal the objective truth through the investigation."