Baek Hye-ryun: "'Kim Bong-hyun's Prison Letter' Should Be the First Target of the Corruption Investigation Office"

"Timing and content are quite specific... highly credible"

Baek Hye-ryun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is reporting on the review results of the nomination for Supreme Court Justice Lee Heung-gu during the plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 7th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Baek Hye-ryun, the ruling party whip of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee and a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 19th regarding the prison letter from Kim Bong-hyun (46), former chairman of Star Mobility and considered the mastermind behind Lime Asset Management, that "this is an issue that could trigger tremendous aftershocks," and insisted that this case should become the top investigation target of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HOCI).

On the same day, Baek said on YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Start of a New Morning,' "(The prison letter) contained a summary of various problems with the prosecution so far, such as fabricated investigations, preferential treatment for former officials, and lobbying to halt investigations. It includes serious content with issues so severe that it is difficult to predict the ripple effects."

Baek added, "This case perfectly aligns with the purpose of establishing the HOCI. It involves current prosecutors, opposition politicians, ruling party politicians, and senior Blue House officials?all of whom fall under the HOCI's investigation scope." She continued, "Since the HOCI was launched to prevent investigations influenced by political power, I believe this case should indeed be the first investigation target of the HOCI."

Regarding the credibility of the claims made by former Chairman Kim, she said, "Since these are matters to be clarified through investigation, we cannot believe them 100%, but the timing and details are quite specific." She added, "There are parts that can be inferred, so I believe many aspects have considerable credibility."

She further explained, "In particular, among Kim's claims, the lobbying allegations involving a former prosecutor turned opposition politician and Woori Bank, which is currently under investigation, have never been reported in the media before." She said, "Since Kim testified about this to the prosecution, it is confirmed as fact. The part about giving money to the prosecution investigators also includes specific amounts of bribes, which appears to be quite credible."

Former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun, identified as the main culprit in the 'Lime Asset Management (Lime) scandal,' revealed in a 'statement from prison' that he also lobbied opposition figures and entertained a current prosecutor. The photo shows Kim's statement released through his lawyer on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding the opposition party's claim that "the reason behind former Chairman Kim's allegations is unclear," Baek said, "While Kim may have tried to create a situation more favorable to himself, if there was indeed a fabricated investigation by the prosecution, then prosecution reform is a fully justifiable issue." She pointed out, "The People Power Party has long claimed the ruling party was involved in a 'power-type gate,' but Kim's testimony breaks that narrative, so I think they are resisting because of that."

Baek emphasized, "Since this involves current prosecutors' drinking parties, it is difficult for the existing Southern District Prosecutors' Office investigation team to proceed at this point, so I believe forming an independent special investigation headquarters is appropriate."

Regarding the opposition's call for a special prosecutor, she said, "It takes more than a month to launch a special prosecutor. Looking at previous cases where special prosecutors were appointed, many took over 50 days." She added, "In a case like this, swift investigation is very important. If a special investigation headquarters is formed, the investigation can proceed immediately, but a special prosecutor is very difficult."

She continued, "There has been no discussion about a special prosecutor so far," and added, "Since the People Power Party's call for a special prosecutor is part of a political offensive, I think it will not be easy from the Democratic Party's perspective."

Earlier, on the 16th, former Chairman Kim disclosed a 'prison statement' through his lawyer, alleging that he had lobbied current prosecutors.

Kim claimed, "In July last year, through former official A, a lawyer, I entertained three current prosecutors with alcohol worth about 10 million won," and added, "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 did join the investigation team."

He also claimed to have lobbied opposition politicians and reported this to the prosecution, but said the investigation did not proceed properly.

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