PCA Opens Formal Investigation into National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won over 'Tip-off Manipulation' Allegations (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (HCIC) has officially registered and launched an investigation into Park Ji-won, the Director of the National Intelligence Service, who is suspected of the so-called 'tip-off manipulation' allegations.

The HCIC Investigation Division 2 (Chief Prosecutor Kim Seong-moon) announced that Park was registered the previous day on charges of violating the National Intelligence Service Act, Public Official Election Act, and Information and Communications Network Act.

Park is suspected of being involved in the process where Cho Seong-eun allegedly tipped off the internet media outlet 'Newsbus' with materials related to accusations that the prosecution manipulated complaints against ruling party figures during former Prosecutor General Yoon's tenure. This suspicion arose after Cho stated in an interview with the media that she met with Park before the tip-off.

In response, the People Power Party's Yoon Seok-yeol campaign filed a complaint with the HCIC on the 13th of last month, alleging that Park, Cho Seong-eun, and an unidentified individual conspired to tip off media outlets regarding the 'complaint manipulation' allegations.

Subsequently, on the 15th, the campaign additionally filed a complaint with the HCIC accusing Park of violating the National Intelligence Service Act and Public Official Election Act by mentioning in a media interview the case of former Yongsan Tax Office Chief Yoon Woo-jin, who is implicated in allegations involving former Prosecutor General Yoon, claiming it was an interference in the primary election.

After reviewing these complaints, the HCIC appears to have determined that it is appropriate for them to conduct the investigation. Previously, on the 15th and 30th of last month, the HCIC summoned Choi Ji-woo, a lawyer for former Prosecutor General Yoon, for complainant questioning. However, while registering Park, the HCIC decided not to register Cho and the unidentified individual who were also named in the complaints.

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