Jung Seong-eun Requests Disclosure of Kim Woong's 'Accusation Instigation' Recording Information: "I Also Have the Right to Hear the Original"

Whistleblower Jo Seong-eun in the 'Accusation Instigation' Allegation [Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Jo Seong-eun, the whistleblower in the 'accusation referral' suspicion, has filed an information disclosure request with the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (PCC) regarding the recorded file containing the phone conversation with Kim Woong, a member of the People Power Party.

On the 7th, Jo explained the reason for the information disclosure request in a post on her social media (SNS) account, saying, "I deleted many unnecessary parts due to lack of storage. I also thought I had the right to listen to the original." However, there is a possibility that the PCC may not comply with such an information disclosure request citing investigation security.

Earlier, the PCC recently recovered and analyzed two recorded files of phone conversations between Representative Kim and Jo. The files are understood to be about 7 to 8 minutes each, containing conversations just before and after Kim delivered the accusation letter to Jo in early April last year.

The recorded files reportedly include Kim telling Jo, "We will send the accusation letter," referring to the party drafting the accusation letter as 'we (us),' emphasizing that it must be submitted to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, and in the first call, designating the reception office by saying, "Go to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office. That place is safe."

It is also known to include content such as "It should look like the prosecution received it forcibly," "If I (Kim Woong) go to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, it will look like Yoon Seok-yeol ordered it, so I must stay out," and "If you submit it, I will speak well for you." There is also speculation that the PCC will soon conduct summons investigations of Representative Kim and others.

Representative Kim is suspected of handing over accusation letters regarding passport officials received from Son Joon-sung, the Daegu High Prosecutors' Office Human Rights Protection Officer (then Supreme Prosecutors' Office Investigation Information Policy Officer), while exchanging messages with Jo via Telegram messenger in April last year.

Jo claimed in a media interview on the 10th of last month, "Representative Kim said, 'You must submit it to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Civil Complaints Office, and absolutely not to the (Seoul) Central District Prosecutors' Office,'" adding, "At that time, I thought I should see if the party wanted some action to be taken, so I did not ask any specific questions."

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