Police Launch Full Investigation into Lee Hyehoon's Alleged Abuse of Aides... Complainant Summoned

The police have launched a full-scale investigation into allegations that Lee Hyehoon, the nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, verbally abused and mistreated her aides.

Yonhap News Agency

The Namdaemun Police Station in Seoul summoned and is currently questioning Lee Jongbae, a Seoul Metropolitan Council member from the People Power Party, at 10 a.m. on January 9, after he filed a complaint against the nominee for abuse of authority and other charges.

In a statement released prior to his questioning, Councilman Lee said, "The nominee's appalling abuse of power and verbal violence constitutes character assassination that our society can never tolerate," adding, "Considering the deep pain suffered by her aides, the nominee should step down."

Lee Hyehoon has previously faced allegations of routinely verbally abusing her aides, including interns, and assigning them personal tasks during her time as a member of the National Assembly. In particular, controversy erupted after recordings were released in which she was heard shouting, "Is your IQ a single digit?", "I really wish I could kill you," and yelling "Hey!" at her staff.