Presidential Office Says "Cannot Rule Out Possibility of Specific Forces Involvement" in US Surveillance and Wiretapping Allegations

Possibility of Manipulated Leaked Documents Raised
Plan to Request Appropriate Measures from US After Situation Assessment
Forces That Exaggerate or Distort Will Face Public Resistance

The Presidential Office on the 10th cautioned against overinterpretation regarding foreign media reports revealing that U.S. intelligence agencies had wiretapped key figures in South Korea's presidential office's diplomatic and security lines concerning support for the Ukraine war, stating, "We cannot rule out the possibility that certain forces' intentions were involved."

A senior official from the Presidential Office met with reporters at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon and said about the U.S. government's wiretapping allegations, "In the U.S., there are also suggestions that some of the leaked materials may have been altered or fabricated."

The Presidential Office cited four reasons for doubting the credibility of the documents. The official said, "First, the content reported by the U.S. media is not confirmed fact," emphasizing, "Currently, the U.S. Department of Defense has also requested an investigation from the Department of Justice, so fact-finding is the top priority."

He continued, "Second, the circumstances under which this report emerged also need attention," adding, "Most of the materials claimed to be leaked relate to the Russia-Ukraine war, and in the U.S., there are suggestions that some of the leaked materials may have been altered or fabricated. We cannot exclude the possibility that certain forces' intentions were involved."

He also stated, "Once both countries complete their situation assessment, we plan to request appropriate measures from the U.S. side if necessary," emphasizing, "This process will be based on the trust relationship formed within the ROK-U.S. alliance."

Furthermore, he pointed out, "Lastly, if there are forces trying to exaggerate or distort this incident to shake the alliance at a time just before the ROK-U.S. summit, they will face resistance from many citizens."

When asked whether fact-checking was conducted regarding former National Security Office Director Kim Sung-han and former Security Secretary Lee Moon-hee, who were mentioned in the documents in relation to discussions about weapons support for Ukraine, he avoided a direct answer, saying, "The government will consider and take action in areas you deem appropriate. However, this matter involves diplomatic and intelligence issues, and it is customary not to provide specific confirmations on diplomatic and intelligence matters."

Regarding reports that the Presidential Office demanded a sincere response from the U.S. side about the wiretapping, he said, "If you look at the four principles I mentioned earlier, you will understand how our government will act," adding, "This issue involves not only the ROK-U.S. but also several countries including South Korea, Israel, France, and the United Kingdom. It might be good to also look into how other countries besides ours are responding."

In response to opposition party claims that the move to Yongsan made wiretapping exposure easier and calls for verification of the lines and equipment installed in the Presidential Office, he rebutted, "There is no problem at all." The official said, "Regarding the security of the Presidential Office building and related matters, we have been perfectly prepared since the relocation," adding, "Although I cannot provide specific details now, regular inspections are conducted on the concerns you currently have, and so far, no problems have been identified."

He continued, "In fact, the bunker and structures from the Blue House era are partially above ground and slightly protruding, so the security and safety of the place where the president works can be said to be safer here," emphasizing, "The security and safety aspects of the National Security Council (NSC) are much stronger in Yongsan than at the Blue House."

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