Special Investigation Unit Concludes 8-Month Probe, Transitions to Dedicated Team

A special investigation unit (SIU) that has been examining cases handed over from three special prosecutor investigations has concluded its 8-month operation. The unit will now transition to a dedicated investigation team to continue working on remaining cases.

The SIU was the first to investigate cases transferred from a special prosecutor. It deployed up to 109 personnel and reviewed 192 cases, reclassifying them into 137. Of these, 121 cases were concluded, including 16 sent for indictment, 54 transferred to other agencies, and 51 dismissed or not indicted.

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The Special Investigation Unit (SIU), launched on December 1, 2025, will conclude its operations today and transition to a dedicated investigation team to continue the investigation of remaining cases.

Key investigations included alleged organized evidence tampering by the presidential office following a "rebellion" incident. The SIU indicted former Presidential Chief of Staff Cho Sung-tae, former Secretary for General Affairs Yoon Jae-soon, and former secretary Kang Ui-goo on charges related to leading and directing the wiping of presidential office and residence computers. Former Correction Bureau Director Shin Yong-hae was also indicted for ordering the securement of space for "rebellion order violators," marking the first time a high-ranking public official, rather than military or police personnel, faced charges for "obstruction of important duties in a rebellion."

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Former Presidential Chief of Staff Cho Sung-tae, former Secretary for General Affairs Yoon Jae-soon, and former secretary Kang Ui-goo were sent to prosecutors on charges of leading and directing the wiping of computers in the presidential office and residence.

In cases related to "First Lady Kim Keon-hee," the "seaside party" allegations were re-investigated, revealing new details about the involvement of former Presidential Security Service Director Kim Yong-hyun. He and former planning and management director Kim Seong-hoon were indicted on charges of abuse of power under the Presidential Security Service Act. Current lawmaker Cho Eun-hee and political broker Myung Tae-gyun were indicted for illegally conducting opinion polls using personal information of ruling party members during the 2022 Seoul Seocho-gap by-election.

Cases related to the "late Marine's special prosecutor" investigation saw former National Human Rights Commission standing member Kim Yong-won indicted for attempted coercion, and former Black Pearl Investment CEO Lee Jong-ho, known as an associate of Kim Keon-hee, indicted for fraud and violation of the Lawyers Act. However, former President Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Keon-hee were not directly investigated, with the SIU citing their unavailability due to trial schedules or health reasons. The investigation proceeded based on existing evidence and witness testimonies.

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Former President Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Keon-hee did not respond to the investigation due to trial schedules or health reasons. The investigation proceeded based on existing evidence and witness testimonies.