Prosecutors Conduct Search and Seizure at Ministry of Gender Equality and Family over Alleged 'Presidential Pledge Development' (Comprehensive)

by Kim HyeongMin

Published 28 Jul.2022 11:52(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 28th, the prosecution is conducting a search and seizure of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, which is suspected of intervening in the election by creating and providing presidential election pledge materials ahead of the 20th presidential election.

The Public Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Sang-hyun) sent prosecutors and investigators to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in Jongno-gu, Seoul, this morning to secure policy materials created before this year's presidential election.

During the search and seizure, the prosecution is expected to secure records of work instructions remaining within the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, drafted policy proposals, and meeting materials.

The prosecution is investigating allegations that the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, ahead of the 20th presidential election, received a request from a Democratic Party expert to provide materials to be used for election pledges and handed over policy drafts.

Earlier, the investigation team summoned former Minister of Gender Equality and Family Jeong Young-ae and former Vice Minister Kim Kyung-sun as suspects for questioning. They also summoned and questioned Democratic Party experts from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, policy directors, and other ruling party officials at the time. Additionally, ministry staff involved in drafting the policy proposals and experts from the Women and Family Committee of the Liberty Korea Party during the Park Geun-hye administration were also summoned and questioned.

The prosecution has also sent official letters to other government ministries to check whether similar cases exist. If similar cases are confirmed, the prosecution's investigation may expand further.