Prosecutors Conduct Search and Seizure at Daegu City Hall, Gyeongbuk Provincial Office, and Yeungnam University... Saemaeul Forum Investigation Intensifies

Yeungnam University Image = JTBC Capture

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Dong-wook] The Criminal Division 2 of Daegu District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Yang Jae-hyuk) conducted a sudden search and seizure on the 10th at Daegu City Autonomous Administration Division, Gyeongbuk Province Saemaeul Volunteer Division, and Yeungnam University.

The search and seizure is interpreted as the official start of a full-scale investigation into the accusation filed last August by Yeungnam University regarding allegations of embezzlement of the Global Saemaeul Forum subsidy by Professor Choi Oechul. Professor Choi was known as a "shadow power" during former President Park Geun-hye's administration.

The prosecution secured documents related to subsidies provided by Gyeongbuk Province and Daegu City to Yeungnam University concerning the Saemaeul Forum from 2015 to 2016. After analyzing the seized items, the prosecution is expected to summon Professor Choi, local government officials, and forum associates for questioning.

Professor Choi has been suspected of spending approximately 280 million KRW of school funds to rent office space in officetel buildings in Jung-gu and Jongno-gu, Seoul, from May 2009 to April 2017, a period of about eight years.

Earlier, Yeungnam University professors and local civic groups such as Daegu Participation Solidarity filed a complaint last August accusing Professor Choi of embezzlement and other charges. They claim that during the settlement process of the 150 million KRW subsidy paid by Gyeongbuk Province to the forum organizers related to the 'Global Saemaeul Forum' held in Gyeongju in September 2015, Professor Choi committed fraudulent acts.

Meanwhile, Professor Choi served as a special advisor for planning and coordination in former President Park Geun-hye's campaign in 2012. Having become an assistant professor at Yeungnam University in 1989, he was deeply involved in Saemaeul Movement projects, including serving as the head of the Park Chung-hee Leadership Institute from 2009 to 2010.

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