Prosecutors summon retired lieutenant colonel who granted leave to Chu Mi-ae's son for investigation... belated 'speed operation'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The prosecution, which has been investigating allegations of special military leave privileges for the son of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae for eight months, has recently accelerated the investigation by summoning military personnel one after another.

The Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Deok-gon) announced on the 11th that on the 10th, they summoned retired Lieutenant Colonel A, who was the authorized approver of leave when Minister Choo's son, Seo, served in the KATUSA unit in 2017, for questioning.

At that time, A received a report from Captain B, who served as the unit support officer, that "someone identified as an aide to Representative Choo called to inquire about Seo's leave extension." It is known that A later instructed Captain B to "handle it as regular leave since sick leave is difficult according to regulations."

The prosecution also re-summoned key witnesses from the US 2nd Infantry Division regional unit where Seo served, including Corporal C, who was on duty at the time and reported the special leave allegations, and two captains, the day before. Captain B and Corporal C were questioned again about three months after their initial investigation in June.

Corporal C, who was on duty on June 25, 2017, previously stated, "While on evening duty, I confirmed Seo's absence without leave, and later received instructions from a superior unit captain to record him as on leave rather than absent without leave." Captain B and Corporal C met face-to-face during the prosecution's investigation the day before, and C reportedly told the prosecution, "I am not certain who processed Seo's leave extension, but it seems correct."

Through these investigations, the prosecution is examining the circumstances of Seo's leave extension and whether there was any solicitation or external pressure during the process. A prosecution official added, "We cannot disclose specific testimony as it falls under confidential information, and we ask for your understanding that future investigation schedules cannot be disclosed."

On the same day, the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office decided to disclose part of the investigation details, including the summoning of related persons, within the necessary scope, following a resolution by the Criminal Case Disclosure Deliberation Committee related to this case. According to the "Regulations on Prohibition of Disclosure of Criminal Cases," implemented by the Ministry of Justice since December last year, the prosecution cannot disclose personal information such as the suspect's name and age or details of the crime. However, disclosure is exceptionally allowed if there is a committee resolution.

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