Jinwook Kim, Kyuwon Lee Case "Under Investigation... 13 Prosecutors Are Enough"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Kim Jin-wook, Chief of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (Gong-su-cheo), repeatedly stated that the 'Prosecutor Lee Gyu-won Case,' transferred from the prosecution, is "under investigation." Last week, Kim also conveyed his position as "reviewing records" in the sense of a "broad investigation."

On the 19th, on his way to the Government Complex Gwacheon, regarding the 'Prosecutor Lee Gyu-won and Yoon Joong-chun Meeting Report False Writing Suspicion Case,' Kim said in response to reporters' question, "Have you started the investigation?" "I think you may say so." Earlier, Kim mentioned last week that it was "under investigation," then explained through a spokesperson that it did not mean a direct investigation had begun, but rather a broad review of records.

Kim added, "I believe a direct investigation is possible," but also said, "(Whether to transfer the case) is not decided solely by my opinion; I need to hear others' views." Given Kim's stance that "the review is almost complete," a direct investigation seems possible.

However, he drew a line regarding the first case of Gong-su-cheo. Kim stated, "The first case is defined by us," expressing his intention not to consider cases transferred from other agencies as the 'first case.'

In particular, Kim showed confidence in the 13 Gong-su-cheo prosecutors appointed on the 16th. He compared the 13 prosecutors to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece 'The Last Supper,' saying, "Among the 13, many are like fishermen from Galilee with little formal education, but didn't they change the world?" and added, "Thirteen is enough to accomplish the task."

Meanwhile, regarding the direction of handling the public interest report related to the former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui's case, which the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission requested investigation on, Kim responded, "We received a withdrawal letter," and "It is under legal review." Previously, the whistleblower withdrew the report to the Commission with the intention that the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office should investigate the case.

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