Prosecutors Conduct Search of Presidential National Balanced Development Committee Following 'Personnel Storm' Day

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] On the 9th, the prosecution investigating allegations of election interference and directed investigations by the Blue House conducted a search and seizure of the office of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Balanced National Development, a presidential advisory body. This search was carried out immediately following a major personnel reshuffle of key aides at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office.

Despite the significant replacement of the leadership in charge of the investigation, the prosecution's determination to continue the existing investigation without wavering is seen as reflected in this action.

The Public Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Tae-eun) searched the office of the Balanced National Development Committee located in the Government Seoul Office Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, securing related materials including records of advisory group activities during the June 13, 2018 local elections. This was part of efforts to verify the process of establishing election pledges by Song Cheol-ho, Mayor of Ulsan.

The Balanced National Development Committee is a presidential advisory body established to advise on policies for balanced national development tailored to regional characteristics, as well as to address regional disparities.

Mayor Song was appointed as an advisor to the Balanced National Development Committee in December 2017 while preparing for the Ulsan mayoral election. The prosecution is reportedly searching for clues related to the possibility that Mayor Song received assistance in the formulation and implementation of pledges from the advisory group, which included figures from the ruling party.

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