Special Prosecutor Probes Former Prosecutor General Shim Ujeong in Search and Seizure Over Lee Jongseop Escape Allegations

by Kwak Minjae

Pubilshed 04 Aug.2025 17:19(KST)

On August 4, the special prosecutor's team led by Lee Myeonghyeon, which is investigating allegations of external pressure in the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae, conducted a search and seizure of former Prosecutor General Shim Ujeong.

Shim Woojung, former Prosecutor General. Yonhap News

On the afternoon of August 4, the special prosecutor's team reportedly secured related materials, including a mobile phone, through a search and seizure of former Prosecutor General Shim, who is under suspicion of aiding a suspect's escape and abuse of authority.

Shim Ujeong served as Vice Minister of Justice at the time of the appointment of former Minister Lee as Ambassador to Australia in March 2024. Shim is currently a suspect, having been accused of involvement in the process of former Minister Lee's departure for Australia at that time.

Earlier that morning, Special Prosecutor Jeong Minyeong stated in a briefing that the team was conducting search and seizure operations on related individuals to examine the process of former Minister Lee's appointment as Ambassador to Australia. On the same day, the special prosecutor's team also carried out search and seizure operations on former Minister of Justice Park Seongjae, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Taeyeol, and former National Security Advisor Jang Hojin.