Minister Choo Mi-ae Orders Inspection of Prosecutors Suspected of Involvement in Lime Scandal (Comprehensive)

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae appeared at the National Assembly Judiciary Committee's audit of the Ministry of Justice and other agencies on the 12th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] On the 16th, Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae ordered the Ministry of Justice to immediately begin an inspection of prosecutors suspected of receiving alcohol entertainment in connection with the 'Lime Asset Management' case.

Minister Choo described the allegations that prosecutors were involved in the Lime scandal as "shocking" and instructed, "Since social attention is focused on the related suspicions and it is a serious matter, thoroughly investigate the truth."

Earlier, Kim Bong-hyun (46, detained and indicted), former chairman of Star Mobility and identified as the main culprit in the Lime scandal, claimed in a "statement from prison" that he had lobbied current prosecutors.

Kim stated, "In July last year, through former official lawyer A, I entertained three current prosecutors with alcohol worth about 10 million won," adding, "At the time of the gathering, I was introduced to them as prosecutors who would later join the Lime investigation team, and in fact, one of them participated in the investigation team."

He also said, "Former official lawyer A said, 'The talks with the person responsible for the Lime case at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office are over. If you catch ruling party politicians and Blue House Senior Secretary Kang Ki-jung (Political Affairs), after reporting to Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, you will be allowed to stand trial on bail.'"

Kim also revealed that he lobbied opposition politicians and reported this to the prosecution, but the investigation did not proceed properly.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Justice immediately launched an inspection into allegations of entertainment and bribery of current prosecutors through former official lawyers, concealment of investigations related to prosecution lobbying, and suspicions of fabricated and coercive investigations.

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