Prosecutors Conduct Search and Seizure at Ministry of National Defense Over Allegations of Special Leave for Chu Mi-ae's Son (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The prosecution investigating allegations of "preferential leave" during the military service of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's son, Seo Mo (27), has conducted a search and seizure at the Ministry of National Defense.

According to the prosecution on the 15th, the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Deok-gon) is currently conducting a search and seizure at the Ministry of National Defense.

This search and seizure is reported to have been carried out to secure materials within the Ministry of National Defense related to suspicions that Minister Choo's side requested preferential treatment during the extension process of her son's leave. Some have suggested the possibility that phone call records of Minister Choo's side requesting the extension of her son's leave might remain at the Ministry of National Defense's civil affairs office, leading the prosecution to seek bureaucratic documents. Minister Choo denied having made any phone calls to the Ministry of National Defense's civil affairs office during a government audit session at the National Assembly the previous day.

Meanwhile, the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office has been investigating since January this year a complaint alleging that Seo's use of two sick leaves and one personal leave during his military leave was illegal. On the 12th, they summoned Minister Choo's former aide A, and on the 13th, Seo himself was summoned for questioning. A representative of the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office stated, "We cannot confirm specific details such as the purpose, timing, or progress of the prosecution's search and seizure."

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