Anti-Corruption Body Confirms Improper Intervention in Lee Jae-myung Helicopter Case

The Hankyoreh reports on a significant finding by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) concerning the handling of the emergency helicopter transport of President Lee Jae-myung, then leader of the Democratic Party, following a stabbing attack in 2024. The ACRC's investigation team has confirmed that former Vice Chairman Jeong Seung-yoon improperly intervened in the process.

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The ACRC confirmed that the former vice chairman improperly intervened in the process of handling the case related to the 119 emergency medical helicopter transport of President Lee Jae-myung.

This intervention involved directing the case, which concerned the use of a 119 emergency medical helicopter, to be treated as a violation of the public officials' code of conduct. This was contrary to the initial assessment by the relevant department, which had recommended an 'institutional improvement' measure. The former vice chairman's actions are seen as an attempt to push for a harsher judgment than warranted, raising questions about the integrity of the ACRC's investigative process.

The controversy originated from Lee Jae-myung's transfer via helicopter from Busan to Seoul for medical treatment after being stabbed during a visit to Busan. At the time, accusations of preferential treatment surfaced, leading to the ACRC's investigation. The ACRC initially concluded that officials from the Busan Fire Department had violated the code of conduct.

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The former vice chairman instructed the case to be processed as a violation of the public officials' conduct code, contrary to the initial recommendation for institutional improvement.

However, the ACRC's reinvestigation team found that the helicopter transfer was based on official inter-hospital consultation and that the Busan hospital physician had the authority to request such a transfer. Therefore, judging the involved officials for violating the code of conduct was deemed inappropriate. The ACRC plans to issue an apology and implement measures to prevent similar abuses of power by individuals in positions of authority.

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The helicopter transfer was based on official inter-hospital consultation and that the Busan hospital physician had the authority to request such a transfer.

Adding another layer to the report, the ACRC also revealed Jeong Seung-yoon's alleged late-night, unofficial meeting with then-President Yoon Suk-yeol at the presidential residence before the conclusion of the investigation into the 'Kim Keon-hee luxury bag' scandal. Jeong Seung-yoon has denied this, stating that the meeting was not urgent and that he is fighting to uphold democracy and the rule of law. This revelation further intensifies scrutiny on Jeong's conduct and his political aspirations.

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The ACRC plans to issue an apology and implement measures to prevent similar abuses of power by individuals in positions of authority.