Civic Group Files Complaint Against Former Chief of Staff Chung Jinseok Over Alleged Destruction of Evidence in Martial Law Incident
by Kwon Hyeonji
Published 09 Jun.2025 19:31(KST)
Sasehaeng Files Complaint with the CIO
Allegations Against Former Chief of Staff Chung Jinseok Over Destruction of Presidential Office PCs
On June 9, a civic group filed a complaint with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) against former Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jinseok, who is alleged to have ordered the destruction of presidential office PCs in connection with the 12·3 Martial Law incident.
The civic group, Citizens’ Action for Judicial Justice (Sasehaeng), filed the complaint with the CIO on charges of abuse of authority, obstruction of the exercise of rights, destruction of evidence, damage to public property, and violation of the Presidential Records Management Act. Sasehaeng claimed that Chung ordered staff to destroy all records and official documents stored on the presidential office’s public PCs in order to eliminate evidence related to the 12·3 Martial Law incident. Previously, the Democratic Party of Korea had revealed a whistleblower’s testimony through its election campaign spokesperson on May 27, during the presidential election period, stating that Chung had instructed, "We will not hand over anything to the new administration, so destroy the PCs and other equipment by any means necessary, even if you have to use physical force."
Additionally, Sasehaeng argued that Chung obstructed the new administration’s exercise of official duties by disbanding all presidential office staff members responsible for the transition process. The group also pointed out that Chung violated the Presidential Records Management Act, which requires a review by a special committee before any presidential records can be destroyed.
The civic group National Solidarity for the Eradication of Deep-rooted Evils also announced that, on June 7, it had filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against former Chief of Staff Chung Jinseok and former Presidential Secretary for General Affairs Yoon Jaesoon on charges of abuse of authority, obstruction of official duties by fraud or force, and damage to public property. The group claimed that they ordered the destruction of PCs and printers and deliberately avoided the official transition of presidential office duties.
In response, the Yoon Suk Yeol administration has countered that all actions taken were lawful and in accordance with the relevant statutes.
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