'Porsche Rent-a-Car Allegation' Former Special Prosecutor Park Young-soo Investigated at Police Station for 10 Hours 30 Minutes

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Park Youngsoo (69), former special prosecutor, who is suspected of receiving money and goods such as a Porsche rental car from Kim (43, detained), who impersonated a fisherman, was summoned to the police on the 7th as a suspect of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Violent Crime Investigation Unit announced that they summoned former special prosecutor Park around 8 a.m. that day and investigated him for about 10 hours and 30 minutes. The police confirmed the overall suspicions, including the circumstances under which former special prosecutor Park received rental cars and other items free of charge from Kim.

After the investigation, former special prosecutor Park issued a statement saying, "I apologize once again for causing controversy," and added, "During the investigation, I explained the legal principles and facts in a way that could be understood." He continued, "The legal interpretation of whether the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act applies is a very important issue, so I presented a clear opinion on the appropriate legal interpretation," and added, "I also explained the facts as they are, so I expect the police to make an accurate and proper judgment."

Earlier, on the 5th of last month, former special prosecutor Park stated, "Kim recommended test-driving a vehicle from the rental car company he operates through lawyer Lee, and returned it two days later. The rental fee of 2.5 million won was delivered to Kim through lawyer Lee." He resigned two days later. Former special prosecutor Park's side claims that there is no problem because the rental fee was returned, but the police reportedly believe it is necessary to examine whether there was no intention to pay the rental fee initially, as there is a three-month gap between the time the rental fee was paid and when the Porsche was received.

Former special prosecutor Park also claimed that he is not a public official subject to the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, but on the 16th of last month, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, the main agency for the Act, issued an authoritative interpretation that former special prosecutor Park is a public official, and based on this, the police filed charges against former special prosecutor Park on the same day and have been investigating the facts through those around him.

So far, the police have filed charges against eight people, including former special prosecutor Park, Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee, former Pohang Southern Police Station Chief Bae (suspended), former Chosun Ilbo editorial writer Lee Donghun, TV Chosun anchor Eom Seongseop, a central district reporter, a general programming channel reporter, and Kim, the provider of money and goods, for violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. Except for former special prosecutor Park, the suspects who received money and goods have already completed police summons investigations.

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