Controversy Over Real Estate 'Self-Investigation' by the Yeo Party... Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission Says "No Intervention and No Reports Received"

Submission of Conflict of Interest Declaration... Recusal Measures
"If People Power Party Requests Full Investigation, Neutral Inquiry Will Be Conducted"

Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (right) briefing on the results of the Anti-Corruption Policy Council at the Government Seoul Office briefing room on the 29th. (Image source=Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Jeon Hyun-hee, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, stated on the 31st that she "will not intervene in the investigation nor receive reports" regarding the Democratic Party's request to investigate the real estate ownership and transaction status of all its affiliated National Assembly members and their families.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission reported that Chairperson Jeon expressed her intention to take recusal measures from all duties by submitting a 'Declaration of Private Interests' the day before. This was in response to criticism from some quarters labeling the investigation as a 'self-investigation' due to Jeon's previous affiliation as a Democratic Party National Assembly member.

A Commission official said, "Although Chairperson Jeon currently has no party affiliation, she submitted the declaration of interests herself to dispel concerns about political neutrality."

According to the 'Code of Conduct for Public Officials' and the 'Public Officials Conflict of Interest Prevention Act' currently being promoted by the government, public officials are required to report any private interests related to their duties in advance to their affiliated institution heads. The institution head then reports to the institution's audit officer.

The Commission announced plans to form a special investigation team led by Vice Chairperson and Secretary-General Lee Geon-ri, composed of professional investigators specializing in corruption.

Vice Chairperson Lee stated, "Chairperson Jeon has officially declared that she submitted the declaration and will completely recuse herself from duties related to the full investigation of National Assembly members, neither intervening in nor receiving reports on this investigation," adding, "The special investigation team will conduct the investigation independently without any reports to the Chairperson."

He also said, "If the People Power Party requests a full investigation as well, we will investigate neutrally and fairly, just as with the Democratic Party."

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