Prosecutors Conduct First Interview Last Month with Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong Jin-woong in 'Hand-to-Hand Combat' Case

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Jeong Jin-ung, former head of the Criminal Division 1 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (currently Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office), who was embroiled in controversy over a 'physical altercation during a search and seizure,' was reportedly investigated at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office at the end of last month.

According to the prosecution on the 13th, the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office summoned Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong for questioning as a suspect before the Chuseok holiday last month. This came two months after Prosecutor General Han Dong-hoon filed a complaint and a supervisory request in the form of a petition on July 29, asking for an investigation into Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong on charges of abuse of authority resulting in assault.

At the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee's inspection of the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office and District Prosecutors' Office held that day, Gwangju District Prosecutor Chief Yeo Hwan-seop responded to related inquiries from People Power Party lawmaker Jeon Ju-hye by stating, "I understand that an internal investigation was conducted."

Currently, the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office is reviewing the charges to be applied, the level of punishment, and the timing based on the investigation details of Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong. It is reported that the prosecution is deliberating whether the abuse of authority resulting in assault charge claimed by Prosecutor General Han can be applied to Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong.

Abuse of authority resulting in assault refers to cases where prosecutors or police officers abuse their authority during the performance of their duties to assault suspects or subject them to harsh treatment. It is considered a more serious offense than simple assault and is punishable by up to five years in prison and disqualification from professional duties for up to ten years.

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