'X-Files' Followed by Allegations of Reported Election Manipulation... Suspicions Threatening Yoon Seok-yeol's Presidential Bid

No Smoking Gun Against Yoon Seok-yeol
Family and Close Associates' Suspicions Raised Since Prosecutor General Tenure
Likely to Emerge as a Key Factor in Opposition Presidential Primary

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Various allegations that surfaced during his tenure as prosecutor are hindering former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's presidential bid. Although the allegations raised so far have not established a direct link to Yoon himself, an uneasy sentiment about whether his approval ratings will hold is evident among the People Power Party and his supporters.

The 'accusation instigation' scandal shaking the political world is currently focused on who handed the accusation documents to People Power Party lawmaker Kim Woong, who leaked the information to an online media outlet, and the reasons behind it, with relatively little direct attack on former Prosecutor General Yoon. Seemingly aware of this, Yoon has claimed innocence, saying, "If there is evidence, present it." His campaign has also strongly countered by suggesting the ruling party's possible manipulation. Considering the nature of the issue, it may be difficult for a prosecution investigation to reveal whether Yoon instigated or tacitly approved the accusations.

Recently, allegations have also emerged that the prosecution launched a targeted investigation against Lee Jae-myung, the ruling party's leading presidential candidate and Governor of Gyeonggi Province. The suspicion is that in 2017, during an investigation into illegal online gambling sites by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's violent crimes division, suspects were pressured to testify about Lee's misconduct when he was mayor of Seongnam. This is considered a separate investigation targeting a politician and a representative case of prosecutorial abuse of power. At that time, the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office was Yoon. However, no direct connection between this matter and Yoon has been revealed.

Additionally, the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, or CIPO) is currently investigating allegations such as obstruction of the investigation into former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook's witness tampering and the inadequate investigation into the Optimus Asset Management fund fraud. The accusation instigation scandal is also being considered for direct investigation by CIPO. Furthermore, allegations involving close aides that surfaced during conflicts between the current Minister of Justice and the Prosecutor General, as well as suspicions related to Yoon's mother-in-law and wife Kim Geon-hee, create a volatile situation.

Until now, former Prosecutor General Yoon has tried to distance himself from prosecution-related issues and establish himself as a politician. In July, he requested the media, saying, "I would appreciate it if you refer to me as Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate, not the former Prosecutor General." He has also made efforts to shed the strong image of a 'prosecutor' by announcing campaign staff appointments and policy issues, aiming to imprint himself as a presidential candidate who stands with the citizens. However, the People Power Party's somewhat cautious stance regarding Yoon's allegations is a reality he must overcome. Once the party's primary election intensifies, it seems inevitable that prosecution-related issues will be raised by intra-party rivals during verification and debates. Political experts also identify the allegations related to Yoon as a key variable in the opposition's presidential primary race.

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