Oh Sehoon: "Even Special Prosecutors Must Have Boundaries... Show Respect to Senior Pastors"

"Investigations Can Proceed Without Coercive Tactics"

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon criticized the Marine Corps special prosecutor in charge of the investigation into religious circles, stating, "Even a special prosecutor must have boundaries."

On September 12, Mayor Oh wrote on Facebook, "The special prosecutor's investigation has crossed the line," adding, "Despite the fact that Reverend Kim Janghwan and Reverend Lee Younghoon are only witnesses and not suspects, the special prosecutor has conducted searches and seizures and is now even forcing them to appear for questioning. This is truly deplorable."

Yonhap News Agency

Previously, the Marine Corps special prosecutor had summoned Reverend Kim as a witness in connection with allegations of lobbying to save former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Sungkeun. Searches and seizures were also carried out on Reverend Kim, Reverend Lee, and others.

Mayor Oh referred to them as "respected senior pastors," stating, "Forcing such individuals to undergo searches, seizures, and direct appearances before the special prosecutor constitutes an excessive and unreasonable investigation. Investigations can proceed without resorting to humiliating and coercive tactics."

He further emphasized, "If the special prosecutor continues to cross the line with these pastors, there will inevitably be suspicions of political motives. This would also place a burden on the President, who has positioned himself as a proponent of 'unity.'"

Mayor Oh concluded, "Even now, I hope the special prosecutor will conduct the investigation with the utmost respect and courtesy toward these senior pastors."

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