Prosecutor General on 'Democratic Party Money Envelope Investigation': "Will Follow Evidence and Legal Principles"

by Kim Daehyun

Published 19 Apr.2023 19:30(KST)

On the afternoon of the 19th, the anniversary of the April 19 Revolution, Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok visited the April 19 Democratic Cemetery in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, paid his respects, and then wrote in the guestbook.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok announced that he will investigate the Democratic Party's party convention money envelope allegations according to principle. This marks the first related comment from the Prosecutor General as the prosecution's investigation intensifies.

On the 19th, after visiting and paying respects at the National April 19th Democratic Cemetery in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, Lee told reporters, "It is inappropriate to comment on current issues," but added, "I can say that all cases will be handled based on the same principles and standards, strictly according to evidence and legal reasoning."

Regarding the establishment of the Drug and Organized Crime Division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Lee emphasized, "We will reorganize the organization and structure as quickly as possible to assist investigations and criminal trials," and added, "Even before that, we will do everything we can."

On the same day, he visited the Democratic Cemetery with Jeong Young-hak, head of the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office, and senior officials from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. After paying respects, he left a message in the guestbook stating, "I will deeply reflect on the noble spirit of the April 19th democratic martyrs and fulfill all prosecutorial duties to protect the fundamental rights of the people."

In front of the grave of the youngest victim, the late Im Dong-seong, he expressed sorrow, saying, "Not even elementary school students were spared..."

Lee stated, "I paid respects to inherit the April 19th democratic revolution and its spirit, and to faithfully carry out the prosecution's duties to protect the fundamental rights of the people," adding, "I also thought about whether there is any way to find and assist unidentified persons or those without relatives."