The Corruption Investigation Office summons Son Junsung, key figure in 'Complaint Solicitation', for first interrogation today

Son Joon-sung, the Human Rights Protection Officer at Daegu High Prosecutors' Office and a key figure in the 'whistleblowing solicitation' suspicion during former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's tenure, is attending the warrant hearing held on the 26th at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Son Joon-sung, the Human Rights Protection Officer at Daegu High Prosecutors' Office and a key figure in the so-called 'accusation solicitation' scandal, in which the prosecution allegedly requested the opposition party to file complaints against ruling party figures during former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's tenure, will be investigated for the first time by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HOCI) on the 2nd.

According to the legal community, HOCI will summon Prosecutor Son in the morning as a suspect for questioning. On the day before the investigation, both HOCI and Prosecutor Son's side remained tight-lipped about the summons time, schedule, and plans, creating a tense atmosphere.

This is the first time Prosecutor Son is being questioned by HOCI since the accusation solicitation allegations surfaced. It has been about two months since the investigation intensified on September 10. HOCI has been coordinating schedules with Prosecutor Son for the summons. There were tensions as Prosecutor Son showed a passive attitude toward the investigation, citing issues such as hiring a lawyer. HOCI also filed arrest and detention warrants consecutively, which were dismissed by the court.

However, recently Prosecutor Son has shown a willingness to actively cooperate with the investigation, leading to the arrangement of the summons on this day. It is also known that the investigation date was first proposed by Prosecutor Son's side.

Prosecutor Son is a key figure who can clarify the circumstances under which the complaint was drafted and delivered. In April last year, while serving as the Investigation Information Policy Officer at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, he is accused of instructing subordinate prosecutors to draft complaints and collect supporting materials against ruling party figures and conspiring with Kim Woong, a member of the People Power Party, to solicit accusations.

During today's investigation, HOCI is expected to question Prosecutor Son about his involvement in the case, based on the fact that the Telegram message received by whistleblower Jo Sung-eun from Kim Woong was tagged with 'Sent by Son Joon-sung.' Prosecutor Son may also be asked about the circumstances under which Prosecutor A, who worked with him around April last year, searched for a judgment document identical to the one attached in the Telegram message.

HOCI must create a turning point in clarifying the allegations through the investigation of Prosecutor Son. They need to establish conditions to reapply for an arrest warrant for Prosecutor Son and also outline plans for investigating Kim Woong, who may be summoned this week. HOCI has faced concerns and criticism over inadequate investigation after the court dismissed the arrest warrant requested for Prosecutor Son on the 27th of last month.

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