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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

Ex-prosecutor denies pressure in Kim Keon-hee stock probe ahead of special prosecutor testimony

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former prosecutor Choi Jae-hoon, who led the investigation into allegations surrounding first lady Kim Keon-hee's stock manipulation case, testified before a special prosecutor.
  • Choi stated he did not receive any improper instructions or external pressure during the investigation.
  • He expressed frustration over the delayed investigation into his own conduct, which has been ongoing for 10 months.

Choi Jae-hoon, the former lead prosecutor in the investigation into allegations surrounding first lady Kim Keon-hee's involvement in stock manipulation, has testified before a special prosecutor's team. Appearing as a witness, Choi firmly asserted that he faced no undue pressure or improper directives during his handling of the case. His testimony directly addresses suspicions of a cover-up or preferential treatment, aiming to clarify his role and the integrity of the initial investigation.

I have never received any improper instructions or external pressure.

· Choi Jae-hoonResponding to reporters before testifying to the special prosecutor's team.

Choi's statement comes after a lengthy period of scrutiny, with the special prosecutor's investigation into the alleged cover-up of the Kim Keon-hee case spanning approximately 10 months. He voiced his frustration with the delayed timeline, arguing that the prolonged investigation, particularly into the actions of the original investigative team, infringes upon the rights and basic human dignity of those involved. This sentiment highlights the challenges and potential injustices that can arise from protracted legal processes, especially when high-profile figures are involved.

I believe it has been sufficiently confirmed that there was no impropriety in my duties, as the impeachment trial decision by the Constitutional Court was dismissed last March.

· Choi Jae-hoonReferring to the dismissal of an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol, which he believes validates his past actions.

The special prosecutor's team is focusing on whether there was any leniency or "look-the-other-way" approach during the prosecution's decision not to indict Kim Keon-hee on charges related to stock manipulation and the acceptance of a luxury bag. The investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the decision, including the fact that Kim Keon-hee was interviewed at her residence and the subsequent dismissal of charges. The team has already taken measures such as placing former senior prosecutors on exit bans and conducting searches of prosecutorial offices, indicating the seriousness of their inquiry into the handling of the case.

It is very frustrating that I, as the lead prosecutor, am only being investigated now, about 10 months after this case began.

· Choi Jae-hoonExpressing frustration over the delayed investigation into his role.
About this summary

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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