'Suspected Bribery by Fisherman Lee Dong-hoon, 8-Hour Police Investigation... Claims of Political Conspiracy'

Former Editorial Writer Donghoon Lee Issues Statement After Investigation
"After Yoon Seok-yeol's Appointment as Spokesperson, Police Exaggerated the Incident"

Former Chosun Ilbo editorial writer Lee Dong-hoon, who was investigated on charges of receiving money and goods from a 'fake fisherman' Kim, is leaving the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Violent Crime Investigation Unit on the afternoon of the 13th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Lee Dong-hoon (51), former editorial writer of Chosun Ilbo, who is accused of receiving money and goods from Kim (43), who impersonated a fisherman, was investigated by the police for 8 hours on the 13th. Immediately after the investigation, Lee stated that this case is a 'political operation' by the ruling party.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Violent Crime Investigation Unit summoned Lee, who was suspected of receiving money and goods such as golf clubs from Kim, who impersonated a fisherman, from around 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day. It is known that the police investigated Lee on all charges including bribery.

After the investigation, Lee told reporters, "Someone from the ruling party or the administration came to see me," adding, "They said if I attacked Y (presumed to refer to Yoon Seok-yeol, former Prosecutor General) and helped them, they would make it as if nothing happened, and that they had coordinated with the police." Lee said he replied, "I will not do it, I cannot do it."

He continued, "Then my face and name were plastered all over the media. It was the day Yoon declared his political participation. The situation escalated uncontrollably," adding, "This is a political operation."

Later, reporters asked, "How did you get to know Kim?", "What did you promise in return for the gifts?", and "Is there any connection between Yoon’s resignation as spokesperson and this case?" but Lee did not answer and left by taxi.

In a statement, Lee said, "After I became Yoon’s spokesperson, the police exaggerated and expanded this case," adding, "There should be no political intent in the police investigation. The public disclosure of the suspect’s facts started with Yoon’s declaration of political participation." He also stated, "The police’s media play just by filing the case is an unprecedented human rights violation."

In response, the police stated, "Regarding this case, the police have conducted the investigation according to the procedures prescribed by law and will continue to handle it strictly according to the law."

Lee also arranged for Kim to meet with Hong Jun-pyo and Kim Jeong-jae, members of the People Power Party. The two lawmakers said they felt suspicious after meeting Kim and distanced themselves.

Lee, who served as spokesperson for former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, resigned ten days after his appointment on the 20th of last month.

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