Deputy Chief Prosecutor Who Answered Jo Guk's Call During Search of Jo Guk's Residence Resigns

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Lee Kwang-seok, Deputy Chief Prosecutor (46, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 33), who led the search of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk's residence during the investigation of his family's corruption allegations last year, recently submitted his resignation.

According to the prosecution on the 14th, Lee submitted his resignation to the Ministry of Justice on the 12th. The Ministry of Justice is reportedly reviewing whether there are any disqualifying reasons before deciding whether to accept the resignation immediately.

It is said that Lee had been contemplating resignation for several months.

Lee served as the lead prosecutor in the investigation of former Minister Cho Kuk's family corruption allegations while working in the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office last year.

On September 23 of last year, he led the search of Cho's residence in Bangbae-dong, Seoul.

At that time, former Minister Cho connected a call to Lee and said, in essence, "My mother-in-law is unwell, and my son and daughter are at home, so please proceed with the search quickly." Lee repeatedly responded, stating his department and name, "I will proceed promptly according to the procedures."

This incident sparked controversy, with some interpreting the call from the sitting Minister of Justice as undue pressure on the investigation team, including Lee.

However, former Minister Cho claimed it was a matter of "human decency." Lee later investigated Cho's wife, Professor Jung Kyung-shim of Dongyang University, who was summoned by the prosecution.

Subsequently, Lee was transferred to the Trial Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office during the prosecution personnel reshuffle in February.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.