Investigation into Former National Education Commission Chairman
The special counsel team, led by Min Joong-ki, is continuing its investigation into allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon-hee. One of the key figures under scrutiny is Lee Bae-yong, the former chairman of the National Education Commission. The team has decided to re-summon Lee for further questioning regarding the “gold turtle solicitation” allegation.
On the 13th, the special counsel held a press briefing and confirmed that they had officially notified Lee to appear for questioning at 10 a.m. This follows his initial summons the previous day, during which he was questioned until 9 p.m. After the session, Lee spent time reviewing the investigation records starting at 10:30 p.m. and finally left around 12:15 a.m.
Despite being questioned extensively, Lee did not directly answer reporters’ questions about why he handed over the gold turtle or why he met with Mrs. Kim at Cobana Contents in 2022. However, when asked if his stance was that he had never made any personnel solicitation requests, he reportedly nodded in agreement.
Discovery of Key Evidence
Earlier in the investigation, the special counsel uncovered a gold turtle and a congratulatory card addressed to former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s election during a search at a nursing home operated by Mrs. Kim’s mother, Choi Eun-soon. The discovery has raised suspicions that Lee may have gifted these items with the intention of soliciting a public office position following Yoon’s election. It is also alleged that Mrs. Kim might have used her influence to secure Lee’s appointment as chairman of the National Education Commission.
This evidence adds another layer to the ongoing inquiry into potential misconduct involving high-ranking officials and their connections to the former first lady.
Additional Summons and Legal Proceedings
In addition to Lee Bae-yong, the special counsel also summoned and investigated former representative Koo Se-hyun, who was previously detained on allegations of stock price manipulation at Welbiotech. During this session, the team applied for an extension of his detention period.
Meanwhile, former chairman Han Hak-ja, who was released on bail after being indicted while in custody, requested the court to extend the suspension of his detention. However, the special counsel submitted an opinion to the court rejecting the extension. They argued that the ophthalmic surgery, which was the reason for the initial suspension, had already been completed, and there was no valid justification for extending the detention further.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Challenges
The special counsel continues to navigate complex legal challenges as they work through multiple cases involving high-profile individuals. Each case presents unique circumstances, requiring careful examination of evidence and adherence to procedural guidelines.
As the investigations progress, more details are expected to emerge, potentially shedding light on the broader implications of the allegations. The public remains closely watching as the legal process unfolds, with hopes for transparency and accountability in the handling of these sensitive matters.
The ongoing efforts by the special counsel team highlight the importance of thorough and impartial investigations in maintaining public trust and upholding the rule of law. As new developments arise, the focus will remain on ensuring that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or influence.